Eight survivors serve on the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network’s Survivor Council

Members of the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network’s Survivor Council

Editor’s note: Our “Year in Review” series, recapping the year’s top stories in pancreatic cancer research, volunteer contributions and more, continues today. Watch for more of the articles on our blog through the end of December.

The Pancreatic Cancer Action Network’s (PanCAN) Survivor Council was created to ensure the survivors’ voice, experience and expertise are integrated into the organization’s programs and initiatives.

Eight members of the council, all pancreatic cancer survivors, were called upon frequently again in 2018 to not only share valuable insights, but to speak one-on-one with our constituents. We hear time and again that it means so much to other survivors – and families – to speak with people who have been in their shoes.

A PanCAN Survivor Council member discusses risks, symptoms and early detection in a new PSA

Council member Michael Weinstein participated in PanCAN’s new PSA

Some of the highlights of the Survivor Council’s outreach this year – and of their commitment to giving back to the cause – include:

  • Hosted tables at the always eagerly anticipated Survivor Breakfast during National Pancreatic Cancer Advocacy Day; this year, nearly 100 survivors attended Advocacy Day
  • Council member Michael Weinstein participated in our new PanCAN public service announcement touting the risks and symptoms of pancreatic cancer, and the urgent need for early detection
  • Called PurpleStride registrants who are survivors to say thank you for participating in the walk to end pancreatic cancer
    • A 16-year survivor is a PanCAN Survivor Council member who lost four relatives to the disease

    Council member Roberta Luna is a 16-year pancreatic cancer survivor

  • Hosted a happy hour/welcome for survivors attending PanCAN’s annual summit for volunteer leaders nationwide
  • Council member Roberta Luna participated in a clinical trials panel at our PanCAN Scientific Summit
  • Called PanCAN donors to say thank you for their generosity and commitment to improving outcomes for all pancreatic cancer patients

We salute our Survivor Council for their tremendous commitment and participation this year. Thank you!

We also pay heartfelt tribute to beloved member Larry Clark, whom we lost to pancreatic cancer in 2018.

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