Melbourne Mother Walks in Memory of Her Husband Mat, Lost to Brain Cancer Just 12 Weeks After Diagnosis
Mariane Francis DePretto and her two young sons will join hundreds at Albert Park Lake for Walk4BrainCancer Melbourne, raising funds and hope for families impacted by brain cancer.
When Melbourne local Mariane takes part in Walk4BrainCancer Melbourne on Sunday 23rd November, she’ll be walking with her two young sons, Marcus and Nicolas, in loving memory of her husband Mat, who passed away just 12 weeks after being diagnosed with Glioblastoma (GBM), the most aggressive form of brain cancer.
“Almost overnight, Mat began to lose his memory and sense of self,” Mariane recalls. “Through all of this, I’ve seen firsthand how cruel brain cancer can be, how it changes people and takes so much away from those we love.”
Mat passed away tragically on the 24 May, a date that coincided with his son Nicolas’ birthday. Just two days earlier, on 22 May, the family had celebrated Mat’s own birthday.
Mat was a devoted husband, father, and friend, known for his warmth, humour, and love of the outdoors. Each year, he would escape to the High Country to camp with his best mates, a tradition that continues to hold special meaning for Mariane and their boys.
“This year, we’ll walk for Mat. We’ve even had shirts made that say, ‘My Mate Mat.’ says Mariane. “We walk to honour him, and to make sure no other family has to go through what we did.”
Mariane’s team, Team Mat, is part of the growing Walk4BrainCancer community coming together at Albert Park Lake to raise awareness and vital funds for research. Last year, her team raised more than $12,000 for Cure Brain Cancer Foundation, and they’re hoping to make an even bigger impact in 2025.
Mariane’s connection to brain cancer runs heartbreakingly deep. Before losing Mat, she had already seen the toll of the disease through her friend Bec’s father and Mat’s uncle, whose cancer later spread to his brain. Despite decades of research, survival rates remain devastatingly low, something Mariane says must change.
“The truth is, despite all the research and all the foundations, it hasn’t helped anyone I know. We need to keep fighting and raising our voices until we find a cure, because no one should ever have to lose someone they love to brain cancer.”
Mariane says the support of her family, friends, and wider community has been life-changing:
“My community has saved me and the boys,” she shares. “We are beyond blessed.”
Walk4BrainCancer Melbourne will see hundreds of people come together at Albert Park Lake on Sunday, 23 November, to remember loved ones, celebrate survivors, and raise funds for life-saving brain cancer research.
Andrew Giles, CEO of Cure Brain Cancer Foundation, says stories like Mariane’s are at the heart of the movement:
“Walk4BrainCancer Melbourne brings together the community to raise essential funds for groundbreaking research. Mariane’s dedication highlight the impact individuals can have when they turn their personal challenges into action.”
To join Team Mat, donate, or register for Walk4BrainCancer Melbourne, visit www.walk4braincancer.com.au.
Walk4BrainCancer Melbourne
Sunday, 23 November 2025 – from 8:30am
Albert Park Lake, Melbourne VIC 3206
https://walk4braincancer.com.au/walks/melbourne/
About Cure Brain Cancer Foundation
Cure Brain Cancer Foundation is an Australian-based organisation that is working globally to rapidly improve brain cancer survival through funding innovative brain cancer research.
Cure Brain Cancer Foundation is the largest dedicated funder of brain cancer research in Australia. The Foundation has invested over $30 million into brain cancer research including clinical trials and pre-clinical research efforts across paediatric and adult brain cancers.
Cure Brain Cancer Foundation passionately forges global research collaborations, brings world-class clinical trials to Australia and gives people with brain cancer greater access to innovative new treatments.
The Foundation’s mission is to unite the community and rapidly increase brain cancer survival, improving the quality of life for people impacted by the disease. With a vision to ultimately find a cure for brain cancer.
Visit www.curebraincancer.org.au for more information.
Sarah Finn
Shannon Muscolino