A Sydney family is calling for greater investment in rare ovarian cancer research after Jacinda Manettas died at just 30, following a three-and-a-half-year battle with an aggressive form of the disease.
Jacinda celebrated her 30th birthday in early July, surrounded by family and friends. By the end of August, she had died from mucinous ovarian adenocarcinoma, a rare subtype of ovarian cancer that accounts for approximately 3 per cent of cases.
Her brother, Andrew Manettas, is determined to turn his family’s grief into action, pushing for greater research funding and better treatment options for patients diagnosed with the disease.
A three-year battle with a rare cancer
Jacinda’s cancer journey began in February 2023, when doctors discovered a cyst on her left ovary.
Her left ovary was removed, and subsequent laboratory testing revealed the cyst was malignant. She underwent six rounds of chemotherapy, with initial tests showing no detectable traces of cancer.
However, mucinous ovarian cancer can be particularly difficult to treat, with some tumours showing resistance to conventional chemotherapy.
In January 2025, cancer was detected in Jacinda’s right ovary, which was also removed. She underwent further chemotherapy, but by March 2026, the disease had spread to her abdomen.
A targeted antibody treatment initially showed promise before the cancer progressed again.
In mid-August, Jacinda and her brother travelled to the United States to investigate further treatment options. They were encouraged to consider a clinical trial in Australia, but she never had the opportunity to begin it.
After returning home, Jacinda suffered a stroke linked to complications from her cancer. She died four days later.
Andrew said the family had been willing to pursue any treatment that might help his sister.
He believes greater investment in research is essential to give future patients more options.
Fundraising in Jacinda’s memory
Jacinda’s love of poker has inspired a fundraising event in her honour.
On November 7, Sydney venue The Pillars will host the Jacinda Royale, a poker night raising money for mucinous ovarian cancer research through the Peter MacCallum Cancer Foundation.
The event aims to celebrate Jacinda’s life while supporting research that could improve treatment outcomes for other patients.
Andrew said the fundraiser was a way to honour his sister through something she loved, while helping give others a better chance.
Beyond community fundraising, he is also calling on policymakers to direct more resources towards research into rare cancers.
For the family, the goal is to ensure Jacinda’s death helps drive progress towards better treatments and outcomes for others facing the same diagnosis.
For more information about the fundraiser, visit .
Source: The Daily Telegraph