Dare to Hope co-founder Cherie Dear has been named the Victorian 2027 Australian
of the Year Award, for her determination to raise awareness and funding for
pancreatic cancer.
One of four Victorian finalists for the award, Cherie said she was shocked and
humbled by the honour.
“This award is for all the people affected by pancreatic cancer, the incredible work of
the volunteer team at Dare to Hope, and everyone who has supported our cause in
any way,” Cherie said.
Cherie said she hoped her award would help raise awareness of pancreatic cancer
and bring much needed focus on improving funding, treatments and outcomes.
“Pancreatic cancer is one of the deadliest – it takes the lives of more than 4,000
Australians each year and has a five year survival rate of just 14 per cent. We need
to do more,” she said.
National Australia Day Council CEO Carrie Leeson said Cherie had turned personal
loss into a determination to find answers to pancreatic cancer.
Cherie started Dare to Hope with her husband, AFL legend Paul Dear, when he was
diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 2020. He died from the disease in July 2022,
and months later she also lost her father to it.
She established the annual Easter Monday Dare to Hope AFL match between
Hawthorn and Geelong, to raise critical funds and awareness for pancreatic cancer.
Dare to Hope is now the Official Charity Partner of the Hawthorn Football Club.
Now in its fifth year, it has raised more than $2 million to directly support research
and has awarded more than $1.1 million to three research fellowships focussed on
helping develop more effective treatments for pancreatic cancer.
Dare to Hope board member Professor Robyn Murphy said Cherie epitomised what
it was to be a great Australian, working selflessly to make change that improves the
lives of many.
“Cherie turned her own devastating experience into a powerful commitment to help
others. She brings enormous compassion, energy and generosity to this work,”
Professor Murphy said.
“What she has achieved through Dare to Hope is incredible and she is completely
deserving of this recognition.”
of the Year Award, for her determination to raise awareness and funding for
pancreatic cancer.
One of four Victorian finalists for the award, Cherie said she was shocked and
humbled by the honour.
“This award is for all the people affected by pancreatic cancer, the incredible work of
the volunteer team at Dare to Hope, and everyone who has supported our cause in
any way,” Cherie said.
Cherie said she hoped her award would help raise awareness of pancreatic cancer
and bring much needed focus on improving funding, treatments and outcomes.
“Pancreatic cancer is one of the deadliest – it takes the lives of more than 4,000
Australians each year and has a five year survival rate of just 14 per cent. We need
to do more,” she said.
National Australia Day Council CEO Carrie Leeson said Cherie had turned personal
loss into a determination to find answers to pancreatic cancer.
Cherie started Dare to Hope with her husband, AFL legend Paul Dear, when he was
diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 2020. He died from the disease in July 2022,
and months later she also lost her father to it.
She established the annual Easter Monday Dare to Hope AFL match between
Hawthorn and Geelong, to raise critical funds and awareness for pancreatic cancer.
Dare to Hope is now the Official Charity Partner of the Hawthorn Football Club.
Now in its fifth year, it has raised more than $2 million to directly support research
and has awarded more than $1.1 million to three research fellowships focussed on
helping develop more effective treatments for pancreatic cancer.
Dare to Hope board member Professor Robyn Murphy said Cherie epitomised what
it was to be a great Australian, working selflessly to make change that improves the
lives of many.
“Cherie turned her own devastating experience into a powerful commitment to help
others. She brings enormous compassion, energy and generosity to this work,”
Professor Murphy said.
“What she has achieved through Dare to Hope is incredible and she is completely
deserving of this recognition.”
