Life can change in an instant. Judi Adams’ moment came in November 2021, when she sat down opposite a doctor who delivered the news that would reshape her world: she had pancreatic cancer.

That room—that moment—was bittersweet. It brought answers, but also signalled the end of the future she’d imagined. Still, Judi views her diagnosis through a lens of perspective, referring to this phase of her life as her ‘second life’—one she’s choosing to live with purpose.

“You wake up to the reality that you only have one life, and you start living it with a renewed sense of purpose and actively pursue your dreams,” says Judi.

This idea of a ‘second life’ echoes the ancient Chinese proverb from Confucius: ‘We have two lives, and the second begins when we realise we only have one’.

For Judi, that second life began the moment she stepped out of that consultation room. It was the start of a new chapter—one shaped by clarity, community and planning for what matters most.

“I try not to sweat the small stuff and focus on using my voice for important things, like sparking change, advocating for kindness, or supporting others,” she says. “At the end of the day, that's what being part of a community is all about.”

Community became even more vital after her diagnosis. While living in Brisbane, Judi had formed a tight-knit circle of friends who quickly rallied around her—walking her dog, stocking her pantry, driving her to appointments and providing constant emotional support. Their care helped her stay grounded during an overwhelming time. In return, Judi’s appreciation for connection only deepened.

Planning for end-of-life

Judi’s diagnosis brought something else into sharp focus: the importance of end-of-life planning

“At a point in time when my whole life was spinning out of control, I wanted to feel like I had some semblance of control,” she says.

One of her first steps was creating an Advance Care Directive—ensuring her medical wishes would be known and respected if she became unable to voice them herself. It was a way to feel empowered and to give her loved ones clarity when they might need it most.

For Judi, these plans extend far beyond medical paperwork. They’re about being surrounded by the people and things that matter most. And yet, not everyone is ready to have those conversations.

When Judi decided to host what she called an “awake”—a living celebration of her life before she moved back to Hobart—some friends found it too confronting.

“I organised a band, food, and invited people I love,” she says. “It was my way of saying goodbye because I didn’t know if I’d ever see them again. I wanted them to celebrate my life while I was still here.”

But a couple of friends refused to come. “It was too much for them,” Judi says.

Even so, she stands by the decision. “These conversations are necessary,” she says. “Not just for peace of mind, but to normalise talking about death and dying. We need to get more comfortable with it.”

Finding guidance and support

Since returning to Tasmania, Judi has tapped into local networks that help her feel more prepared. She’s found valuable support through the death doula and Death Café communities, where open conversations about dying are welcomed, not avoided.

“Those spaces helped reinforce that I’d done the right thing by making plans early,” she says. “And an Advance Care Plan is a living document. You can update it if your wishes or circumstances change, while you’re still medically competent.”

That sense of control has been key to Judi’s journey. She likens end-of-life planning to creating a will—something most people accept as necessary.

“Nobody questions why you should have a will,” she says. “But end-of-life planning is just as important. It should be something everyone considers, especially when life can change at any moment.”

A legacy of change

Judi’s personal experience has sparked something bigger: advocacy.

She’s now an ambassador for the PanKind Foundation, sharing her story to raise awareness about pancreatic cancer and improve support and research. She’s spoken to medical students, contributed to policy feedback, and participates in peer support programs for others facing similar diagnoses.

But for Judi, these efforts aren’t just about raising awareness. They’re about sparking change.

“At the end of the day, I want to use my experience to help others and to make a difference in the way we approach death and dying,” she says. “Normalising those conversations is one of the most important things we can do.”