News and Stories About volunteer
Three Moms, Three Sons, One Unbreakable Bond
Editor’s note: Today, Sunday, July 26, is Parents’ Day. Here we share the story of three mothers who connected through […]
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Advocacy Works Because of Your Stories
“Advocating for pancreatic cancer patients makes my soul happy.” This sentiment was one of hundreds of testimonials shared during the […]
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Affiliate Chair Advocates in Her Dad’s Memory
Editor’s note: Our weeklong series of inspiring advocacy stories continues today with one contributed by Kim Levesque – a devoted […]
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Today, Pick up the Phone and Call Capitol Hill
Today, Tuesday, June 16, 2020, is the day we all call Congress – the day when we make our collective […]
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It’s Advocacy Week: Raise Your Voice
“45 years of friendship: After losing my oldest friend to pancreatic cancer, I decided to get involved to carry on […]
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10-Year Survivor on Gifts that Changed Her Life
Editor’s note: National Cancer Survivors Day was June 7, 2020. All week long we’re featuring inspiring stories of survivors nationwide. […]
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Eight-year Survivor’s Success with Precision Medicine and a Clinical Trial
Editor’s note: Earlier this year, we featured Steven Merlin’s amazing dedication as a Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCAN) volunteer and […]
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Two Survivors, Two Volunteer Leaders, Two Best Friends
Editor’s note: National Cancer Survivors Day was June 7, 2020. All week long we’re featuring inspiring stories of survivors nationwide. […]
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How ‘Superwoman Mom’ Inspires Her Daughter
Editor’s note: Today we continue a series of stories celebrating – and remembering – beloved mothers in honor of Mother’s […]
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Oncology Nurse’s Personal Experience with Pancreatic Cancer
Today kicks off National Nurses Week, and we’re proud to bring you the story of a nurse who has more […]
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Father’s Belief in Daughter Inspires Her to Volunteer
Editor’s note: April 19-25 is Volunteer Appreciation Week, and we’re celebrating, recognizing and thanking Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCAN) volunteers […]
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Fundraiser Honors His Mentors Through Volunteerism
Editor’s note: April 19-25 is Volunteer Appreciation Week, and we’re celebrating, recognizing and thanking Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCAN) volunteers […]
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How Volunteering Transformed Grief into Purpose
Editor’s note: April 19-25 is Volunteer Appreciation Week, and we’re celebrating, recognizing and thanking Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCAN) volunteers […]
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Why a Survivor Volunteers to Raise Awareness and Hope
Editor’s note: April 19-25 is Volunteer Appreciation Week, and we’re celebrating, recognizing and thanking Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCAN) volunteers […]
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Celebrating Our Remarkable Volunteers Nationwide
The Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCAN) volunteers who move mountains for our mission in their communities are one-of-a-kind. They’re on […]
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Siblings Share Meaning Behind Being Involved in Cause
Editor’s Note: Today is National Sisters Day. We are sharing this previously published story to celebrate all sisters and the […]
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PurpleStride Las Vegas Goes Virtual, Beats Fundraising Goal
Editor’s note: As the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCAN) transitions its in-person PurpleStride walks/runs through June into “Virtual PurpleStride” events […]
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Staying Connected with PanCAN During Social Distancing
Editor’s note: Please continue to follow the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) for up-to-date information and guidelines about coronavirus […]
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Giving Every Month in the Circle of Hope
Colleen and Emily LaSalle have been involved with the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCAN) for nearly 10 years. For Emily, […]
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Brotherly Love and the Ultimate Connection
Editor’s note: All week long, we’ve shared stories of love, inspiration and special connections made through the Pancreatic Cancer Action […]
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13-Year Pancreatic Cancer Survivor at State of the Union
Editor’s note: All week long, leading up to Valentine’s Day, we’re sharing stories of inspiration and special connections made through […]
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2019 Year in Review: Community Action
Editor’s note: We continue our 2019 Year in Review series with the stories of supporters taking action in their communities […]
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Moments Matter: Joe LaRose
His wife saved his life. Joe LaRose gives credit for his early pancreatic cancer diagnosis to her – he had […]
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Volunteer Mom and Daughter Receive Prestigious Service Awards – Part 2
Editor’s note: Mom and daughter volunteer powerhouse duo Annette Fetty-Santilli and Stephanie, 15, each received awards recently in their state […]
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Volunteer Mom and Daughter Receive Prestigious Service Awards – Part 1
Annette Fetty-Santilli and daughter Stephanie are longtime Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCAN) volunteers in West Virginia. Annette got involved with […]
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In Memoriam: David Boothman, PhD
We are extremely sad to share that Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCAN) research grant recipient David Boothman, PhD, died on […]
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Moments Matter: Anna Shen
Editor’s note: We sat down with Anna Shen for this interview on the day that her mother, Lucy, would have […]
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10 Ways to Make a Difference
National Make a Difference Day is the fourth Saturday in October each year and is about taking community service to […]
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Moments Matter: Raymond Penn
“This is going to be rough,” Raymond Penn said after a deep sigh, “but I tell my story to everybody.” […]
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PurpleStride Walks Raise Over $1 Million in One Weekend
Family and friends from across the country gathering to support a loved one diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. Volunteers bringing about […]
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10th Annual “Dirty Dancing Festival” Pays Tribute to Patrick Swayze
While greeting festival-goers stopping by the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network’s (PanCAN) information table at the “Dirty Dancing Festival” earlier this […]
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Volunteer Summit 2019: Celebrating Our Movement
“The moment my mom’s heart stopped beating, mine turned purple.” This moving quote was among hundreds posted on a story […]
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In-district Meetings Bring Advocacy Home for Volunteers
It’s August, which means members of Congress are back at home, and Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCAN) advocates can meet […]
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Moments Matter: Michael Korengold
Editor’s note: In an ongoing series featuring our Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCAN) Board of Directors, today we spotlight Michael […]
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Moments Matter: Stephanie Pieklik
Many young girls dream about their wedding day. They often picture every detail from the gorgeous white gown that will […]
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10 Highlights You Made Happen
The Pancreatic Cancer Action Network’s (PanCAN) fiscal year ended June 30, and it was one for the record books. We […]
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Moments Matter: Maggie Walsh
Editor’s note: Maggie Walsh works for the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network in its Washington, D.C., office. She recently shared a […]
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Moments Matter: Kaz Iwamoto
Kaz Iwamoto is proud to be a volunteer. His passion for the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCAN) is fueled by […]
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Moments Matter: Emily LaSalle
Editor’s note: World Gratitude Day is today, Sept. 21, and we thank all of our incredible supporters for all they […]
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5-Year Survivor Volunteers and Strides for Fellow Patients
In fall 2013, Charles Bogino was going in for what he believed to be a routine exam. His physician was […]
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Moments Matter: Leslie Kissel
Leslie Kissel was a larger-than-life woman, never known to back down from an adventure. Her days were filled with yoga […]
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This Year’s Survivor Skydive Is a Tribute, Celebration
Saturday, April 27 marked the sixth consecutive year that a group of pancreatic cancer survivors, family members and friends gathered […]
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Moments Matter: Gil Marchman
Skydiving is the latest way longtime survivor, volunteer and advocate Gil Marchman, 84, is raising awareness about pancreatic cancer. On […]
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Advocate Shares Story and Insights Attending Advocacy Day
Steve Cook of Huntsville, Ala., knows what it means to be an advocate from his career in aerospace when he […]
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Advocates Generate Support for Pancreatic Cancer Research on Capitol Hill
One of the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network’s (PanCAN) priorities in the 116th Congress is to urge Congress to create a […]
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Volunteers Who Make Moments Matter
April 7-13 is Volunteer Appreciation Week, and to show our appreciation, we want to highlight a few of the many […]
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Moments Matter: Karen Young, CPA
Editor’s note: Karen Young, CPA, serves on the Board of Directors for the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCAN). She works […]
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14-Year Survivor and Board Member Shares Vision for Future of Pancreatic Cancer
Editor’s note: Stu Rickerson is a 14-year pancreatic cancer survivor who has served on the Board of Directors for the […]
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Moments Matter: John O’Grady
In April 2011, then 56-year-old John O’Grady was undergoing chemotherapy and radiation treatments. Several months previously, he had been diagnosed […]
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Reflecting on Moments at 20th Anniversary
Editor’s note: Welcome to our “Moments Matter” story series, in which supporters tell us about the moments that have mattered […]
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Commemorating 20 Years, Thanks to You!
“I dream of a day when all doctors know the signs and symptoms of pancreatic cancer…when a pancreatic cancer patient […]
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How a Father’s Life Left a Lasting Impact
Dustin Lee James was a friend, husband, father and faithful . Friends and family say that his smile could light […]
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2018 Year in Review: Survivor Council
Editor’s note: Our “Year in Review” series, recapping the year’s top stories in pancreatic cancer research, volunteer contributions and more, […]
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2018 Year in Review: Volunteers
Editor’s note: For today’s installment of our 2018 Year in Review series, we’re showcasing our extraordinary and passionate volunteers. You […]
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PurpleStride Makes Great Strides in 2018
With 56 PurpleStride 5K walk/run events across the nation, 2018 was filled with an ever-present sea of “purple people.” Joining […]
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We Demand Better: Roberta and Vic Luna
Editor’s note: Roberta Luna is a volunteer leader for the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCAN), serving as the Mission Chair […]
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I Demand Better: Angela Robinson
Editor’s note: Angela Robinson is a volunteer leader for the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCAN), serving as the Team & […]
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When the Patient Advocate Becomes the Patient
Editor’s note: Julie Fleshman, JD, MBA, is the president and CEO of the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCAN). Under her […]
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I Demand Better: Krystal Fernandes
Editor’s note: Krystal Fernandes is a volunteer leader for the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCAN). She serves as the PurpleStride […]
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I Demand Better: Todd Cohen
Editor’s note: Todd Cohen, a longtime volunteer leader for the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCAN), currently serves as the November […]
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It Starts with Someone: Susie Lemieux
Editor’s note: This previously published survivor’s story mentions PurpleStride Orange County and the Susie’s Striders Team. This year the event […]
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Three Family Members with Cancer Fight for Each Other
Editor’s note: Bruce Hill died of pancreatic cancer in January 2019, but we share his story here in hopes that […]
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A Daughter’s Passion to Fundraise for Lost Mother and Grandmother
Every supporter of the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCAN) has a personal story about how they came to the organization. […]
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It Starts with Someone: Jackson Carnaghi
Editor’s note: Our “It Starts with Someone” series chronicles all kinds of Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCAN) supporters – volunteers, […]
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How Purpose Fuels One PanCAN Leader’s Passion
Lori Stevens is the new Chief Development and Community Engagement Officer for the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCAN). But what […]
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Survivor Gives Voice to His Experience with Tattoos
Editor’s note: Franco Juricic passed away in March 2019 after a second recurrence of pancreatic cancer. His enthusiasm for creating […]
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It Starts with Someone: Frank De Seno
Never underestimate the passion of a man who’s fed up. He’ll go to great lengths to fight back, tell the […]
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It Starts with Someone: Annette Fetty-Santilli
There are some things Annette Fetty-Santilli, community advocate for the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network’s (PanCAN) West Virginia Affiliate, does every […]
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It Starts with Someone: Amy Osteryoung
Editor’s note: For each of us involved in the cause, it started with someone — the reason we were compelled to […]
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It Starts with Someone: Anne Shimabukuro
Editor’s note: Ahead of PurpleStride Washington DC’s eighth anniversary on June 9, we are sharing an interview with one of […]
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After the Loss of Their Mothers, One Family Mourned by “Doing”
After the loss of their mom, Mother’s Day went from being an anticipated yearly celebration to one that sisters Jackie […]
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Kansas City Company Creates First-in-the-Nation PurpleStride Flagship Team
This May, Lindsey McDonald will slip on a purple T-shirt, lace up a pair of tennis shoes and hit the […]
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It Starts with Someone: Kristen Alvarez
Editor’s note: For each of us involved in the cause, it started with someone — the reason we were compelled […]
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Why I Give Back: 3 Volunteers Explain What Fuels Their Passion
While the volunteers who donate their time and expertise to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCAN) put their passion into practice in […]
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Survivors Take a Leap of Faith to Celebrate Life
This past weekend, five Southern California pancreatic cancer survivors – Belinda Barnes, Susie Lemieux, Lupe Romero, Roberta Luna and Tom […]
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It Starts with Someone: The Skelton Family
Editor’s note: For each of us involved in the cause, it started with someone — the reason we were compelled […]
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Volunteer Appreciation Month: You’re an Important Piece of our PanCAN Team
When it comes to putting together a jigsaw puzzle, the compilation of pieces forms the big picture. Each piece must […]
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It Starts with Someone: Brenda Young
Editor’s note: For each of us involved in the cause, it started with someone – the reason we were compelled […]
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2017 Year in Review: PurpleStride Goes the Extra Mile
Editor’s note: Our “Year in Review” series recapping the year’s top stories in pancreatic cancer research, national news, volunteer contributions […]
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An Unexpected Discovery Leads a Mom to Fulfill a Promise
It was the most difficult conversation a mother could have with a child. Barb Larson’s adult son, Jim Natysin, was […]
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Denver Volunteers Work Hotline with 9NEWS
The Pancreatic Cancer Action Network’s (PanCAN) Denver Affiliate partnered with 9NEWS for its Buddy Check9 segment dedicated to pancreatic cancer. […]
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Behind the Lens: 5 Questions for a PurpleStride Photographer
Editor’s note: When photographer Alex Harris was asked to take pictures at PurpleStride Maryland, he agreed, knowing little about the […]
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Survivors and Celebrities Step Up at PurpleStride Nationwide
A sea of purple blanketed the country once again as thousands gathered for PurpleStride, the walk to end pancreatic cancer, […]
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Chicago Skyline Goes Purple for the Cause
Throughout November, there are many ways that supporters across the country are raising the profile for pancreatic cancer to Demand […]
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Supporters Demand Better at PurpleStride Across the U.S.
It’s Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month, and the focus this year is to “Demand Better. For Patients. For Survival.” One of […]
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I Demand Better to Give Patients a Fighting Chance
Editor’s note: It’s Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month, and our focus is “Demand Better. For Patients. For Survival.” Each week, we’re […]
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Matt Wilson: I Demand Better for the 91 Percent
Editor’s note: Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month kicked off a few weeks early this year and continues through November. Our focus […]
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I Demand Better for My Wife, a 15-Year Survivor
Editor’s note: Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month kicked off a few weeks early this year and continues through November. Our focus […]
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Teona Ducre: I Demand Better for the More than 53,000
Editor’s note: Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month kicks off a few weeks early this year and continues through November. Our focus […]
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PurpleStride Funds the Cause from Coast to Coast
PurpleStride, the walk to end pancreatic cancer, surged from coast to coast the weekend of Oct. 7 as more than […]
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Ohio Cities Raise the Bar for PurpleStride
Cincinnati and Columbus turned purple on the weekend of Sept. 30-Oct. 1 as both cities hosted PurpleStride, the walk to […]
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‘Purple People’ Take Spotlight in Iowa, Portland and St. Louis
Nearly 5,000 ‘purple people’ took the spotlight over the Sept. 23-24 weekend at PurpleStride, the walk to end pancreatic cancer. […]
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It Starts with Someone: Stephanie Santilli
Stephanie Santilli is in eighth grade, and for most of her young life, she has been an advocate for more […]
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#AndrewStrides the United States – Part VIII
Note: This is the eighth installment in a 10-part series following Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCAN) volunteer Andrew Miller as […]
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A Record-Breaking 68 Pancreatic Cancer Survivors Attend PurpleRideStride Minnesota
The Twin Cities turned purple this Saturday for PurpleRideStride Minnesota, the road to end pancreatic cancer. A record-breaking 68 pancreatic […]
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Nebraska Volunteers and Researcher Praise New Cancer Center
The Fred and Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, a revolutionary cancer care facility in Nebraska, welcomed the PanCAN Omaha Affiliate recently […]
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Thousands Celebrate PurpleStride in Charlotte, Pittsburgh and Boise
More than 4,000 people turned purple on Saturday, Sept. 9, as they took to the streets in Boise, Charlotte and […]
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All Eyes on Washington, D.C., as Congress Returns to Reach Agreement Before Looming Deadlines
When Congress returned to Washington, D.C., last week after their August recess, there was no shortage of issues they needed […]
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National Grandparents Day: Remembering “Pépère”
In honor of National Grandparents Day today, take a look at this video of 10-year-old Logan Wood, who explains why […]
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#AndrewStrides the United States – Part VII
Note: This is the seventh installment in a 10-part series following Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCAN) volunteer Andrew Miller as […]
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It Starts with Someone: Hailey Holt
Like many kids across the country, Hailey Holt started back to school this week. At 6 years old, she was […]
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Volunteering Brings Sisters Even Closer After Dad’s Death
Two sisters, two states, two affiliates: Aimee Sherman and Michele Wood don’t let geography get in the way of their […]
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It Starts with Someone, Channing Der and Marisa Jung
It’s not every day that you get to hear from a Pancreatic Cancer Action Network research grantee and a Pancreatic […]
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PurpleStride Omaha Team Rallies for Patti
My mom, Patti Swoboda, an otherwise healthy 54-year old woman, was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer just before Christmas in 2012. When […]
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Pasadena Students Raise Funds for PanCAN
Every year, Mayfield Junior School in Pasadena, Calif., showcases its students’ philanthropic efforts at the annual “Reach Out Assembly,” where […]
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It Starts with Someone: Jennifer Baker
Editor’s note: National Pancreatic Cancer Advocacy Day is June 18-19 in Washington, D.C., and registration is now open. Today we’re […]
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It Starts with Someone: Yohannes Gebreysus
Yohannes Gebreysus’s someone is his daughter, Absera. In less than two years, she’ll be off to college. It’s hard to […]
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#AndrewStrides the United States – Part VI
Note: This is the sixth installment in a 10-part series following Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCAN) volunteer Andrew Miller as […]
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It Starts with Someone: Becca Sandler
Editor’s note: As both Mother’s Day and National Pancreatic Cancer Advocacy Day draw near, we are republishing this heartwarming story from last […]
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#AndrewStrides the United States – Part IV and V
Note: This is the fourth and fifth installment in a 10-part series following Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCAN) volunteer Andrew […]
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Our Very Own American Ninja Warrior: Joe Heiden
Last March, we shared the story of Joe Heiden, a 46-year-old pancreatic cancer survivor who competed in the qualifying-round of […]
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20 Questions: An Interview with Two Volunteers Traveling Coast to Coast for PurpleStride
Editor’s note: Mike Linse of Oklahoma and Andrew Miller of Oregon met through their mutual dedication to the Pancreatic Cancer […]
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It Starts with Someone: Natascha Martin
For each of us involved in the cause, it started with someone — the reason we were compelled to get […]
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#AndrewStrides the United States – Part III
Note: This is the third installment in a 10-part series following Pancreatic Cancer Action Network volunteer Andrew Miller as he […]
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PanCAN Volunteers Sit Down with KCAL-TV to Talk PurpleStride Los Angeles
April – Volunteer Appreciation Month – may have ended, but volunteer appreciation never ends at the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network. […]
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Pancreatic Cancer Advocacy Day: We’re Better Together
This post was authored by Karen Templeton, a volunteer leader in our Birmingham Affiliate. My father was my best friend, […]
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#AndrewStrides the United States – Part 2
Note: This is the second installment in a 10-part series following Pancreatic Cancer Action Network volunteer Andrew Miller as he […]
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Wage Hope at PurpleStride: The Walk to End Pancreatic Cancer
During PurpleStride, the walk to end pancreatic cancer, individuals across the country come together as one movement to Wage Hope […]
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Volunteer Appreciation Month – Our Volunteers Take Us Far
Why do we dedicate the entire month of April to celebrating our wonderful volunteers? The answer is simple: Because they […]
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Pancreatic Cancer Survivor Battled Breast Cancer Years Ago; Today She Volunteers To Help Bring Pancreatic Cancer Out of the Shadows
Editor’s note: In light of October being Breast Cancer Awareness Month and November being Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month, we are […]
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University of Texas Southwestern and the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network Offer a Novel Approach
We recently had time to speak with Rebecca Minter, MD, a professor and the Alvin Baldwin Jr. Chair in the […]
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Bring on the Sparkle Spirit in the Bluegrass State
We often say that the volunteers in our organization have “sparkle spirit”— a spirit filled with positivity, hope and passion. […]
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Pizza by Pappas Fights Pancreatic Cancer by Making Pizza
Who knew you could Wage Hope by making (and eating) pizza? Bill Sheakoski and his brother, Tom, of Scranton, Penn., […]
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It Starts with Someone: Katie Crane
My superhero mother had always been my strongest advocate. It was my turn to be hers… After her passing I wanted to do more so I set out to make a big purple splash one day in November and that grew into a national movement now known as Purple for a Purpose.
Carol Foreman
This is why I am fighting to advance research for pancreatic cancer…… My father, Minus John Leleaux, went to his dermatologist for what he thought might be an ingrown hair on his face.
The Cheneys
In the fall of 2004, a local doctor told Ralph Cheney he had an “undiagnosed obstruction” in the tail of his pancreas after two bouts of pancreatitis.
Brenda Coleman
“Spreading Hope and Inspiration: One Woman’s Journey with Pancreatic Cancer”
Surviving pancreatic cancer is like walking a tightrope.
