News and Stories About volunteer

Editor’s note: Today, Feb. 4, is World Cancer Day, and a good reminder that our collective actions make lasting, positive change […]
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It’s been a year like no other. And through it all, you never once stopped making a difference for PanCAN. […]
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To celebrate his 20 years of survival in 2020, Mike Fitzpatrick is going big on World Pancreatic Cancer Day (WPCD). […]
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“Pops.” That’s what she called him. Donna Glick of Palm Beach, Fla., lost her dad to pancreatic cancer 14 years […]
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Editor’s note: In honor of Physician Assistant’s Week (Oct. 6-12), we bring you the story of Brittany Holloway. She’s a […]
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Editor’s note: It’s Grandparents Day! Read on for the story of how two sisters honor their late grandfather. No matter […]
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Editor’s note: In honor of International Youth Day, we pay tribute to all the young people who are passionate about […]
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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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“Advocating for pancreatic cancer patients makes my soul happy.” This sentiment was one of hundreds of testimonials shared during the […]
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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, Tuesday, June 16, 2020, is the day we all call Congress – the day when we make our collective […]
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“45 years of friendship: After losing my oldest friend to pancreatic cancer, I decided to get involved to carry on […]
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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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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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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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Editor’s note: Today we continue a series of stories celebrating – and remembering – beloved mothers in honor of Mother’s […]
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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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Colleen and Emily LaSalle have been involved with the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCAN) for nearly 10 years. For Emily, […]
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Editor’s note: We are deeply saddened to share that Adam Deal died of pancreatic cancer in December 2020. His advocacy […]
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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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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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His wife saved his life. Joe LaRose gives credit for his early pancreatic cancer diagnosis to her – he had […]
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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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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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We are extremely sad to share that Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCAN) research grant recipient David Boothman, PhD, died on […]
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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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National Make a Difference Day is the fourth Saturday in October each year and is about taking community service to […]
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“This is going to be rough,” Raymond Penn said after a deep sigh, “but I tell my story to everybody.” […]
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Family and friends from across the country gathering to support a loved one diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. Volunteers bringing about […]
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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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“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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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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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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Many young girls dream about their wedding day. They often picture every detail from the gorgeous white gown that will […]
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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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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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Kaz Iwamoto is proud to be a volunteer. His passion for the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCAN) is fueled by […]
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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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In fall 2013, Charles Bogino was going in for what he believed to be a routine exam. His physician was […]
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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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Saturday, April 27 marked the sixth consecutive year that a group of pancreatic cancer survivors, family members and friends gathered […]
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Skydiving is the latest way longtime survivor, volunteer and advocate Gil Marchman, 84, is raising awareness about pancreatic cancer. On […]
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Steve Cook of Huntsville, Ala., knows what it means to be an advocate from his career in aerospace when he […]
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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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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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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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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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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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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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“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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Dustin Lee James was a friend, husband, father and faithful . Friends and family say that his smile could light […]
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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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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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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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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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Editor’s note: Angela Robinson is a volunteer leader for the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCAN), serving as the Team & […]
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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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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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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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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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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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Every supporter of the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCAN) has a personal story about how they came to the organization. […]
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Editor’s note: Our “It Starts with Someone” series chronicles all kinds of Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCAN) supporters – volunteers, […]
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Lori Stevens is the new Chief Development and Community Engagement Officer for the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCAN). But what […]
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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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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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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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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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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 mom, Mother’s Day went from being an anticipated yearly celebration to one that sisters Jackie […]
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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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Editor’s note: For each of us involved in the cause, it started with someone — the reason we were compelled […]
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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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This past weekend, five Southern California pancreatic cancer survivors – Belinda Barnes, Susie Lemieux, Lupe Romero, Roberta Luna and Tom […]
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Editor’s note: For each of us involved in the cause, it started with someone — the reason we were compelled […]
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When it comes to putting together a jigsaw puzzle, the compilation of pieces forms the big picture. Each piece must […]
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Editor’s note: For each of us involved in the cause, it started with someone – the reason we were compelled […]
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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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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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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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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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A sea of purple blanketed the country once again as thousands gathered for PurpleStride, the walk to end pancreatic cancer, […]
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Throughout November, there are many ways that supporters across the country are raising the profile for pancreatic cancer to Demand […]
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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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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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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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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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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, the walk to end pancreatic cancer, surged from coast to coast the weekend of Oct. 7 as more than […]
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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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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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Stephanie Santilli is in eighth grade, and for most of her young life, she has been an advocate for more […]
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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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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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The Fred and Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, a revolutionary cancer care facility in Nebraska, welcomed the PanCAN Omaha Affiliate recently […]
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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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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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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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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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Like many kids across the country, Hailey Holt started back to school this week. At 6 years old, she was […]
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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’s not every day that you get to hear from a Pancreatic Cancer Action Network research grantee and a Pancreatic […]
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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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Every year, Mayfield Junior School in Pasadena, Calif., showcases its students’ philanthropic efforts at the annual “Reach Out Assembly,” where […]
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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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For each of us involved in the cause, it started with someone — the reason we were compelled to get […]
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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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April – Volunteer Appreciation Month – may have ended, but volunteer appreciation never ends at the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network. […]
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This post was authored by Karen Templeton, a volunteer leader in our Birmingham Affiliate. My father was my best friend, […]
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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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During PurpleStride, the walk to end pancreatic cancer, individuals across the country come together as one movement to Wage Hope […]
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Why do we dedicate the entire month of April to celebrating our wonderful volunteers? The answer is simple: Because they […]
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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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We recently had time to speak with Rebecca Minter, MD, a professor and the Alvin Baldwin Jr. Chair in the […]
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We often say that the volunteers in our organization have “sparkle spirit”— a spirit filled with positivity, hope and passion. […]
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Who knew you could Wage Hope by making (and eating) pizza? Bill Sheakoski and his brother, Tom, of Scranton, Penn., […]
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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.

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.

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.

“Spreading Hope and Inspiration: One Woman’s Journey with Pancreatic Cancer”
Surviving pancreatic cancer is like walking a tightrope.