We know it’s already February, and almost halfway through at that, but we’ve been so busy debriefing on World Pancreatic Cancer Day (WPCD) 2018 and preparing for the 2019 year, that we’ve barely had a moment to think straight.
As we sit together, strategising about how we can make 2019 our best year yet, we realise that 2018 is honestly going to be hard to beat.
Over the 2018 campaign, our social media channels pinged, beeped and chimed all day. As an audience, you were extremely engaged which shows how much you want to help us change the course of pancreatic cancer history.
The World Pancreatic Cancer Coalition (WPCC) achieved big numbers last year including engagement and impressions on social, views on videos, media placements and Google searches. These numbers reflect just how badly the greater public wants to raise awareness. And together, we can. We can change the numbers. We can raise the survival rate. We can give hope to patients diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and their families.
What 2018 showed us is that the world is starting to listen. The world is starting to take notice. And 2019 is going to put the spotlight on pancreatic cancer even more.
So, what’s in store for the coming year?
First and foremost, we have some big news – our very own Jessica Abelsohn has been appointed Chair of the World Pancreatic Cancer Day Committee. Ali Stunt, Founder and CEO of Pancreatic Cancer Action UK stepped down following three years in the role. Ali, an 11-year survivor of pancreatic cancer steered the committee through the 2016, 2017 and 2018 WPCD campaigns and for Jess, it’s very big shoes to fill.
“I’m excited to take on this challenge,” Jess says. “I have a very strong committee behind me from all over the world, with different strengths and ideas to bring to the table. It’s going to be a great couple of years.”
Jess, together with father Daniel Goulburn will travel to Miami in May to represent #PurpleOurWorld and the Australian Pancreatic Cancer Alliance (APCA) at the annual World Pancreatic Cancer Coalition meeting. Daniel currently sits on the WPCC Steering Committee, alongside members from several different countries.
On the home front, we’re gearing up for a big year. We’re talking to our corporate supporters again, we’re working with our fellow APCA members to rally the public, we’re chatting to our Ambassadors about how we can further the cause, we’re working with consumer groups to raise greater awareness, and we’ll be all over social so remember to share our posts to spread the word.
Thanks to our corporate supporters for their assistance so far: Scentre Group, Ramsay Health Care, Insurance Australia Group, Gelato Messina and Todae Solar. We’re always on the lookout for more corporates to get involved so if you think your workplace may be interested, please be in touch. It doesn’t need to be anything big (although we love grand gestures); even an article on the intranet or assisting us on social is a huge help.
In the meantime, keep an eye on our socials for updates as we take on 2019!
#PurpleOurWorld 