By Callum Ludwig
A former Yarra Junction local is set to run 2000km from Melbourne to Brisbane next month to fundraise and support research into pancreatic cancer.
Actor and Executive Producer of upcoming film ‘Kennedy’ Kieren Devisser grew up in the Upper Yarra and used to work in the cellar door at Levantine Hill Estate, owned by pancreatic cancer survivor Dr Elias Jreissati AM, who used some of his wealth to establish the Jreissati Pancreatic Centre (JPC) at Epworth Hospital.
Kieren’s run will be raising funds for the JPC and he said although he has had loved ones with cancer, his direct experience with pancreatic cancer comes from witnessing Mr Jreissati’s journey and while his exposure to his struggle was minimal, it was impactful.
“From the moment I started working at Levantine Hill, Elias exemplified every trait I admire in a person. He has always been someone I aspire to emulate—a fantastic businessman, a brilliant father, and unfailingly kind, even to (at the time) a young cellar door employee like myself,” he said.
“During my years at Levantine Hill, I heard numerous commendable things about him, often from his daughters. Balancing the roles of a devoted father, a prominent businessman, and a philanthropist is not an easy feat,”
“Despite his busy schedule, when I, practically a stranger and a newcomer to his business, asked him for advice, he openly accepted and gave me invaluable guidance that significantly propelled me forward.”
Mr Devisser will be running for an average of 64 kilometres per day for 31 consecutive days in July.
Mr Devisser said he will never forget seeing Mr Jreissati for the first time after months of battling the disease.
“It was shocking. As I learn more about his inspiring journey through pancreatic cancer and the resilience of his family, especially what Colleen (his wife) did to help him, I am increasingly motivated to undertake this run,” he said.
“While their story is incredibly inspiring, sadly, it’s not unique. Many families endure the same thing, often with a far worse outcome,”
“I hope that by doing this run, I can inspire businesses and individuals to donate to this fantastic cause.”
Mr Devisser will be documenting his running journey on his Instagram page @kierendevisser for anyone who wishes to follow along.
Mr Devisser said he’d like to raise at least $100,000.
“People diagnosed with pancreatic cancer have a 13 per cent survival rate (for five years), 50 per cent of cases are diagnosed once the cancer has already spread, where the chances of survival drastically drop down to 3 per cent,” he said.
“While predicted to become the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths by 2030, it still only receives 4 per cent of global cancer research funding. This must change, and I hope this run can inspire that.”
Mr Devisser will be running through areas the Kelly gang used to frequent, a particular interest for him given his upcoming film while a few running clubs along the east coast are also set to join him for portions of his run.
Mr Devisser said while he has done events in the past that could be considered extreme, this is the first time he’ll be undertaking something as big as this.
“I only had 10 weeks to train for this event, while a friend from the AIS (Australian Institute of Sport) mentioned I needed a minimum of 30-36 weeks to train for something like this. Truthfully, I am not fit enough to do it, and in reality, it’ll come solely down to my psychology,” he said.
“Right now, I am just running as much as I can. I am doing weight training a few times a week to strengthen my knees, but it’s just about getting kilometres in the legs,”
“I’ll struggle with the pain, but you just have to grind through it day by day, and take it one step at a time.”
Anyone wishing to donate to Mr Devisser’s effort can visit the Viridian Foundation website and click on the W4R2024 tab, follow the prompts, and write ‘Kieren’ next to your name when you donate.
Mr Devisser said he ultimately believes humans are on this planet to do good and how you decide to do that good, changes from person to person.
“Right now, I currently don’t have the finances to donate large sums of money towards this cause. I do, however, have time and I have an unwavering determination,” he said.
“I choose to do good by putting my body on the line, defying the odds, and hopefully inspiring individuals to donate through my actions,”
“We are the generation of change. Each year, we achieve significant advancements in cancer research. My hope is that the donations generated by my run will enable Epworth Hospital and the team at the Jreissati Pancreatic Centre to make significant strides in cancer research and early detection.”
