Pancreatic Cancer: The Deadliest Major Cancer

In 2008, I knew very little about pancreatic cancer. I was aware of the function of the pancreas, and that cancer of any organ is serious. What I did not know is how serious and deadly this disease is.

In 2009, my mother-in-law, who was 79 years old, was diagnosed as stage 4 pancreatic cancer. Family members were shocked that the disease could progress so far without being diagnosed. We learned that there were no early detection tests for pancreatic cancer, and since my mother-in-law had other health issues, her symptoms were diagnosed as other problems. The side effects of chemotherapy created a quality of life worse than letting the disease progress. She opted for quality of life and passed away six months after being diagnosed.

My wife and her siblings spent many hours with their mother during the final weeks of the disease, which proved both mentally and physically stressful on them, and especially hard on my wife’s closest sister. On the day my mother-in-law was buried, my sister-in-law was diagnosed with stage 4 pancreatic cancer, and she passed away less than 6 months later. 2010 was an extremely difficult year.

In early 2011, my wife learned about the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, and that there was a local Milwaukee affiliate. We both started to attend meetings, and we learned quite a bit about the disease:

• About 73% of people die within the first year of diagnosis
• The 5 year survival rate is only 6%
• Funding for pancreatic cancer research is the lowest of the top 5 causes of cancer death
• We knew that Patrick Swayze died of pancreatic cancer, but did not realize how many other celebrities also succumbed to the disease

We also learned quite a bit about the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network:

• To date, the organization has awarded nearly $18 million in research grants, $5 million of which were in 2013 alone. The charity has received the 4-Star Charity Navigator Award for 9 consecutive years (1% of 5000 rated charities have achieved this)
• There are approximately 60 local affiliates, run entirely by local volunteers that hold events to raise awareness and funds in support of pancreatic cancer research.

We have become very active with the Milwaukee Affiliate where I have taken on the role of Media Representative and my wife as volunteer chair.  The affiliate holds meetings every month, usually on the second Sunday of the month. They are held at 6:30 at the Medical College of Wisconsin Sports Medicine Building at 8700 W. Watertown Plank Road in Milwaukee. Our meetings are open to everyone, and we are always looking for volunteers to help with community outreach, advocacy and events.

With the support of the national office, we hold three events every year. We only have 13 people who actively plan the events and more volunteers would certainly help. Losing a loved one or friend to pancreatic cancer is not criteria for volunteering! Information on all events may be found on our website, www.pancan.org/milwaukee, our Facebook page, www.facebook.com/PanCAN.Milwaukee, and our Twitter handle is @PanCANMilwaukee.

On June 1 at 11am at Miller Park, we are holding PurpleStride Milwaukee 2013, a 5k timed run and 2 mile walk to raise awareness and funds for pancreatic cancer. We are excited to have the support of WISN12 Meteorologist Sally Severson, who will be acting as Emcee for the event, as well as Special Guest Lt. Gov. Rebecca Kleefisch. Both have a personal connection to the disease and we are honored to have them joining us to raise much needed awareness as well as honor their loved ones.  Additional guests are former MLB all-star and FOX Sports Wisconsin broadcaster Davey Nelson, Brewer’s mascot Bernie Brewer, and the Brewers Diamond Dancers. We will have a special area for pancreatic cancer survivors; children’s play area, information tables and food for all of the participants.  1700 participants that are expected and we hope to raise roughly $160,000 this year. We could always use more day of event volunteers. Our special website for the event is: www.purplestride.org/milwaukee.

On July 21 will be Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Day with the Milwaukee Brewers at 1pm at Miller Park where our Brewers will take on the Miami Marlins. We are honored that Pancreatic Cancer Survivor Sarah Barse will be throwing out the first pitch. Please visit our website for information on how to purchase tickets.

On the last Sunday of October , leading into National Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month we will join more than 60 Purple Light National Vigil of Hope events taking place across the country to honor those who have fought pancreatic cancer and celebrate survivors, while raising community awareness about the devastating disease. Last year the vigil was held at the St. Joan of Arc Garden of Marquette University. Information will be posted on our website and Facebook page as planning progresses.

Volunteers with the Milwaukee Affiliate are deeply committed to supporting the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network in its effort to double the survival rate of pancreatic cancer by. Take a look at the information on our national website: www.pancan.org. With no early diagnostic tools, few effective treatments and no cure, it is time to provide real hope to those who have been touched by this insidious disease. Consider volunteering locally to help the Milwaukee affiliate support our national goal!

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