Brandon Harvey

Ms JENNY AITCHISON (Maitland—Minister for Regional Transport and Roads)—I wish to acknowledge the work of Brandon Harvey to raise awareness of pancreatic cancer across our community. Brandon lost his beloved nan Helena on the first day of his initial placement as a nurse. Helena was 72 years of age when she passed, on the day of her wedding anniversary. Brandon remembers his Nan as a strong person who was always positive through her 22-month battle with the disease. Pancreatic cancer can be a particularly aggressive cancer, primarily because its initial symptoms are non-specific, making it challenging to detect early. As such, 5‑year survival rates of the disease are only around 12.5%. In the four years to 2021, 675 people died from pancreatic cancer in Hunter New England, with 839 people diagnosed with the disease over this time. Brandon last year organised a 'wear purple day' at Maitland Hospital to raise awareness around the disease and encourage his colleagues to wear purple scrubs and dress in purple clothing. He also spread awareness via social media. I applaud and thank Brandon for his continued advocacy for Pancreatic Cancer Awareness.