Team Vince La Rocca takes on the challenge at this year's Run Melbourne
3 min read 03 July 2025
Vince pictured with his three daughters, Kara, Jazzmine and Jamie
In 2021, Vince La Rocca was diagnosed with oesophageal cancer. Vince’s treatment at Peter Mac was swift and extensive. Soon after his diagnosis he underwent surgery to insert a feeding tube which would prepare his body for the next step: surgery to remove his cancer. It was during that surgery that his medical team discovered that his cancer had spread to his stomach, and he would need to undergo six months of chemotherapy.
Once his chemo was completed, Vince received the uplifting news that he was in remission. However, a year after his surgery, at a routine check-up in March 2023, he was told that the cancer had returned. Undeterred, Vince had to undergo further chemotherapy, and even participated in Run Melbourne that year, fundraising with his family and friends to support cancer research at Peter Mac.
Julian, Jazzmine, Vince, Kara and Jamie (L-R)
Sadly, on 10 September 2024, Vince passed away from his cancer.
"Our dad fought bravely against this terrible disease, giving it everything he had. Until the very end, he remained determined not to give up—for his three daughters, three grandchildren, and another grandchild on the way."
Vince with his three grandchildren.
This year, Kara and her sisters Jazzmine and Jamie will be leading a team at Run Melbourne on Sunday 13 July in honour of their father.
Kara sharing, "If it weren’t for the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre that fought hard with us, we wouldn’t have had that extra time with our father, and for that we will forever be thankful for."
Jazzmine, Vince and Jamie
Cancer is a devastating disease that impacts not only the individuals diagnosed, but their families and their loved ones too.
Thank you to Team Vince La Rocca, and to all our incredible supporters whose tireless fundraising, donating and support helps our dedicated cancer research discover more effective treatments and cancer cures.
You can read more about Team Vince La Rocca here.
Julian who is holding Vincent, Jazzmine who is holding Lola, Vince, Kara, Charlie and Jamie