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PanCAN welcomes Jon Mahrt, Chief Executive Officer of Optum Rx and Chief Growth Officer of Optum to the Board of Directors. In this Q&A, Jon shares his personal connection to the cause, his passion for advancing early detection and patient support, and what motivates him to help drive change for the pancreatic cancer community.
What is your connection to pancreatic cancer?
My wife, Danielle, was one of more than 64,000 Americans diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 2023. She was young, healthy and had no symptoms, so the diagnosis was crushing. Thanks to a compassionate and diligent care team at the Mayo Clinic, incredible support from our friends and family, and a strong community we found through PanCAN, Danielle is now approaching two years of disease-free progression. Her determination has been nothing short of inspiring.
How did you discover PanCAN?
I first came across PanCAN while trying to navigate Danielle’s diagnosis and explore treatment options. It quickly became my go-to source for trusted, up-to-date information whether it was clinical trials, chemotherapy or navigating care as a caregiver. Danielle discovered a local PurpleStride event while undergoing treatment, and we attended our first one that same year. Since then, we’ve only grown more connected to PanCAN’s mission and community.
Which PanCAN programs or initiatives are you most excited about and why?
PurpleStride stands out as an incredibly powerful event. It’s motivating to see so many people come together, united by a shared commitment to fight this disease. The PurpleLight ceremony also holds special meaning. Danielle recently shared her story at one in Las Vegas and found strength and connection in that moment.
From an impact standpoint, I’m especially excited about PanCAN’s commitment to driving progress through research funding, innovative clinical trials, and early detection efforts. These initiatives are not only moving us closer to a cure, but also ensuring patients and caregivers have access to the information, resources, and support they need to navigate a pancreatic cancer diagnosis.
What are you hoping to bring to PanCAN’s Board of Directors?
As both a caregiver and a healthcare industry leader, I bring a deeply personal understanding of this disease and a professional passion for making systems work better for patients. I’m especially focused on finding solutions that empower providers to drive earlier disease detection and ensuring that patients and their families feel fully supported with timely, accessible information throughout their journey.
What’s your advice for someone who wants to get involved with PanCAN but isn’t sure where to start?
Start local! Find your nearest PurpleStride event and sign up. It’s PanCAN’s biggest annual fundraiser and a great way to meet people, hear their stories, and find your place in the movement. It’s an inspiring first step that can lead to even deeper involvement.
PanCAN is proud to welcome Jon Mahrt to the Board of Directors and grateful for his dedication to improving outcomes for pancreatic cancer patients and their loved ones. Learn more about how to get involved at pancan.org.
