Gala Helps Shine A Light On Pancreatic Cancer
Friday 18 November saw the Auckland War Memorial Museum host the first ever PanCan Gala.
Two years in the making, the gala was the idea of Nyree Smith while she was undergoing chemotherapy for pancreatic cancer. She wanted to create an event that would raise funds for research and awareness specifically for pancreatic cancer. Along the way, she brought together a talented committee who created a cocktail evening of entertainment, refreshments, fundraising bringing together a hundreds of people who have all been impacted in some way by pancreatic cancer.
Nathan Haines kicked off the entertainment, with MC Mark Hadlow introducing speakers Will Staples who lost his young wife very quickly to pancreatic cancers; Nyree who spoke about her hopes for better outcomes for future patients Liam Willis of the Gut Cancer Foundation and Dr Ben Lawrence, a medical oncologist who spoke about the importance of research for improving the odds for pancreatic cancer.
The Auction saw competition heat up in the room, with bidder winning art, accommodation, jewellery and a number of money-can't-buy experiences and the winner of the $15,000 diamond raffle was announced. Phil Marsden then filled the dance floor.
Attendee Brett said "Thanks for a great evening The PanCan gala was an absolute success. The speakers all hammered home the message about how important research is if we want to turn around the abysmal survival rate I hope this becomes a regular fundraiser."
Thank you to everyone who attended and was so generous, over $120,000 was raised on the night by attendees.
Photos of the event can be viewed here