The Life Story of Gary Murphy
Remember My Smile
Gary Murphy has lived a life that rarely followed the original plan.
Born in South Africa, his journey carried him through military service, engineering, marriage and fatherhood, across countries and continents, and eventually into leadership as what he affectionately calls an “Accidental CEO.”
But in February 2026, Gary’s life changed again when he was diagnosed with inoperable pancreatic cancer.
Remember My Smile is Gary’s story—in his own words, with the people, photographs, places, music, humor and memories that shaped him along the way.
It isn’t simply a story about cancer.
It’s a story about a life well lived—and the people who made it worth living.
A Life Story Film about family, adventure, resilience—and making the time we’re given count.
THE FINISHED FILM
Watch the Trailer
FEATURED STORY
Gary’s Pancreatic
Cancer Journey
Before his diagnosis, Gary considered himself fit and healthy. He ran 5km every day, participated in Park Runs, kayaked, cycled and enjoyed the outdoors. Then, in early 2026, seemingly ordinary symptoms—heartburn, bloating, loss of appetite and difficulty running—began to change quickly.
On February 5, 2026, a CT scan revealed a significant mass in the head of his pancreas. Further testing determined that the tumor was inoperable. Gary ultimately began a 12-cycle chemotherapy regimen and has documented the experience from a perspective he felt was often missing:
the patient’s.
Gary wrote My Pancreatic Cancer Journey in the hope that what he has learned—the questions to ask, mistakes to avoid, importance of advocating for yourself, realities of treatment and value of family support—might make the road a little easier for someone following behind him.
As Gary puts it:
“This is my story, not a prediction of yours. I hope it helps.” - Gary Murphy
READ GARY’S JOURNEY
PDF • Written by Gary Murphy • Patient experience, not medical advice
A note to readers: This document shares one patient’s personal experience with pancreatic cancer and is provided for informational and supportive purposes only. It is not medical advice and should not replace guidance from your oncology or healthcare team. Treatment, side effects, prognosis and individual circumstances vary. Always discuss medical decisions, symptoms, medications and supplements with your treating healthcare professionals.
Making It Matter
Gary could have kept his diagnosis private.
Instead, he has chosen to talk about it.
One of the ideas that comes through particularly strongly in both Gary’s writing and Remember My Smile is that he doesn’t want his remaining time measured simply by a prognosis. He wants to use it—to make memories with Michelle, Lauren, Amy, Lily and Blair, and to help people he may never have the opportunity to meet.
His own words probably say it better than anything we could write for him:
“Don’t measure life in years—measure it in memories.” - Gary Murphy
Gary is now using his story to raise awareness and support research into earlier detection, better treatments and better outcomes for people diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.
Help Gary Make a Difference
Support Gary’s
Pankind Fundraiser
Gary has created a fundraising campaign supporting Pankind, Pancreatic Cancer Australia and pancreatic cancer research.
Gary has been very clear that the fundraising isn’t for him personally:
100% of the money raised through his campaign goes to Pankind for pancreatic cancer research.
Walk for a cause
Remember September
You can also stand with Gary and others impacted by pancreatic cancer through Remember September.
The annual Pankind campaign invites participants to Move It by walking 78km during September or Give It Up by giving up something such as caffeine or sugar, while raising funds for pancreatic cancer research. The 78km challenge represents the 78 Australians currently lost to pancreatic cancer each week.
A Legacy
More Than a Film
Remember My Smile began as an opportunity to preserve Gary’s story for the people he loves.
What emerged was something bigger: the story of a son, brother, engineer, husband, dad, CEO, GDad and pancreatic cancer warrior—and a reminder of why people’s stories deserve to be preserved while we can still hear them told in their own voice.
Gary ends his written pancreatic cancer journey looking forward rather than backward. He writes that he hopes to do more than simply exist in the time he has left—to make lasting, positive memories for his family and help build awareness of pancreatic cancer.
I was recently diagnosed with inoperable pancreatic cancer and shared my story on LinkedIn.
Dustin reached out to me and shared that his Mom had passed away from pancreatic cancer but before she did, he had a video of her life story created so that it wouldn’t be forgotten.
My daughters were keen for me to do something similar so that my grandchildren would get the opportunity to learn about their “GDad” but weren’t quite sure how to go about it.
EverStory Films offered to help.
What they have created is nothing short of spellbinding.
I call it a digital heirloom that will live on long after me and hopefully provide some solace to my family.
The team at EverStory Films are professionals, but they approached this project with compassion, empathy and a degree of poignancy that made it so easy to share my story.
I was blown away by their passion and dedication. In addition to interviewing me, editing in photos, special songs and memories, they were also able to find rare footage of special events that complemented the story beautifully.
The result is a beautiful documentary of my life story interspersed with just the right mix of humour to balance the sadness.
Thank you, EverStory Films, for creating this legacy.
"We’re honored that Gary trusted us to help preserve a piece of that legacy." - Jason & Seggan Sanders
Remember My Smile
A Life Story Film by EverStory Films
Family stories, filmed before they fade.