This month, members of Congress return to Washington, D.C., after spending the recess in their home districts. When they return, […]
READ MORE
Volunteers
![Around 150 staff members of the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network posing for a group shot outdoors in the sun](/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/pancan-staff-volunteer-appreciation-2023.jpg)
From PanCAN Volunteers to Team Members – A Q&A
apr 20, 2023
Meet the Staff Who Used to Volunteer with PanCAN.
After losing her dad, Paula got much more involved with PanCAN as a team member.
![PanCAN volunteer Joelle Hervis with her grandmother](/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/hispanic-heritage-month-2022-joelle-hervis-733x450-1.jpg)
Martina’s Heart, A Family’s Commitment to PanCAN
sep 27, 2022
Joelle Hervis honors her grandmother, Abuela Martina, through her work with PanCAN.
![Advocates JB Jaso with Dennis and Yvonne Noesen. Tyler Noesen died of pancreatic cancer.](/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/jb-jaso-733x450-1-140x140.jpg)
A Story of Everlasting Friendship
jul 29, 2022
They met at 15 and 13. Pancreatic cancer entered the picture, but today, JB continues Tyler’s fight.
Michael Fitzpatrick volunteers with PanCAN, participates in PurpleStride and more.
Ken Cunzeman reflects on what it’s meant to help raise over $3 million for PanCAN.
![Jamie Foltz, PanCAN PurpleStride Chair in Columbus, Ohio.](/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Jamie-Foltz-Hero-140x140.jpg)
On World Storytelling Day, a Story of Optimism, Hope
mar 20, 2022
PanCAN volunteer, blogger shares why writing is so meaningful to her.
Niketa Miller is a PanCAN volunteer, PurpleStride team captain and premier sponsor, and more, in tribute to late grandmother who was her best friend.
![Richard Conner](/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/blkhistorymonth-w3-featurette-140x140.jpg)
He’s Sharing His Story with a Broad New Audience
feb 10, 2022
PanCAN PurpleStride Team Captain uses his podcast to raise much-needed awareness.
![PanCAN volunteers from Columbus, Ohio, gather at a national training](/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Blog_ColumbusAffiliates_733x450-140x140.jpg)
Purple People: The Family We Choose
dec 6, 2021
Volunteering with PanCAN leads to new friendships, powerful connections.
Nick Pifani had genetic, biomarker testing because his family members were diagnosed.
Jenna Trigilio raised over $1,000 for PanCAN using social media, creative thinking.
Stories highlighting those making a difference for pancreatic cancer patients.
PanCAN Advocacy Chair Clayton Mansfield wants you to call your members of Congress.
Sonja Whipps’ mom encouraged her to follow her dream and now she fundraises in her honor.
Krystal never lost anyone to pancreatic cancer – she volunteers at PanCAN anyway.
Gloria Perry raises awareness, advocates and connects volunteers – to honor her mom.
After 107 chemo treatments, she’s grateful to celebrate five years of survivorship.
Editor’s note: In honor of Black History Month, PanCAN is celebrating the contributions of our community’s Black supporters and the […]
READ MORE
Editor’s note: Today, Feb. 4, is World Cancer Day, and a good reminder that our collective actions make lasting, positive change […]
READ MORE
Editor’s note: In honor of Black History Month, we’re sharing inspiring stories from our community to pay tribute to those […]
READ MORE
“Pops.” That’s what she called him. Donna Glick of Palm Beach, Fla., lost her dad to pancreatic cancer 14 years […]
READ MORE
![Close up of mom and daughter smiling](/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/brittany-holloway-mom-football-game-733x450-1-140x140.jpg)
Why I Want to Be a Physician Assistant
oct 6, 2020
Editor’s note: In honor of Physician Assistant’s Week (Oct. 6-12), we bring you the story of Brittany Holloway. She’s a […]
READ MORE
![PanCAN volunteers with their grandfather, who died of pancreatic cancer](/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/cocuzzo-brianna-kaitlin-grandfather-733x450-1-140x140.jpg)
Twin Sisters Volunteer in Tribute to Grandfather
sep 13, 2020
Editor’s note: It’s Grandparents Day! Read on for the story of how two sisters honor their late grandfather. No matter […]
READ MORE
Editor’s note: In honor of International Youth Day, we pay tribute to all the young people who are passionate about […]
READ MORE
![Affiliate chair on her wedding day](/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/kim-levesque-dad-wedding-733x450-1-140x140.jpg)
Affiliate Chair Advocates in Her Dad’s Memory
jun 18, 2020
Editor’s note: Our weeklong series of inspiring advocacy stories continues today with one contributed by Kim Levesque – a devoted […]
READ MORE
![Mother, a pancreatic cancer survivor, smiling and hugging her daughter, a PanCAN volunteer](/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/ivy-watts-mom-733x450-1-140x140.jpg)
How ‘Superwoman Mom’ Inspires Her Daughter
may 14, 2020
Editor’s note: Today we continue a series of stories celebrating – and remembering – beloved mothers in honor of Mother’s […]
READ MORE
Today kicks off National Nurses Week, and we’re proud to bring you the story of a nurse who has more […]
READ MORE
Not all heroes wear capes. Some wear PurpleStride T-shirts, some don business attire, others choose yoga pants. It doesn’t matter […]
READ MORE
Editor’s note: April 19-25 is Volunteer Appreciation Week, and we’re celebrating, recognizing and thanking Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCAN) volunteers […]
READ MORE
![Pancreatic Cancer Action Network volunteer in Atlanta with his Community Relations Manager](/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/volunteer-appreciation-2020-snapper-freeman-733x450-1-140x140.jpg)
Fundraiser Honors His Mentors Through Volunteerism
apr 22, 2020
Editor’s note: April 19-25 is Volunteer Appreciation Week, and we’re celebrating, recognizing and thanking Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCAN) volunteers […]
READ MORE
![Advocacy Day volunteer at U.S. Capitol with photo of parents who died from pancreatic cancer](/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/volunteer-appreciation-2020-dawn-johnstone-733x450-1-140x140.jpg)
How Volunteering Transformed Grief into Purpose
apr 21, 2020
Editor’s note: April 19-25 is Volunteer Appreciation Week, and we’re celebrating, recognizing and thanking Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCAN) volunteers […]
READ MORE
Editor’s note: April 19-25 is Volunteer Appreciation Week, and we’re celebrating, recognizing and thanking Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCAN) volunteers […]
READ MORE
![PanCAN volunteers at a cancer walk](/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/volunteer-appreciation-2020-733x450-1-140x140.jpg)
Celebrating Our Remarkable Volunteers Nationwide
apr 19, 2020
The Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCAN) volunteers who move mountains for our mission in their communities are one-of-a-kind. They’re on […]
READ MORE
Editor’s Note: Today is National Sisters Day. We are sharing this previously published story to celebrate all sisters and the […]
READ MORE
Editor’s note: Mom and daughter volunteer powerhouse duo Annette Fetty-Santilli and Stephanie, 15, each received awards recently in their state […]
READ MORE
Annette Fetty-Santilli and daughter Stephanie are longtime Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCAN) volunteers in West Virginia. Annette got involved with […]
READ MORE
![Pancreatic Cancer Action Network volunteer volunteers in memory of his wife, lost to the disease](/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/raymond-penn-family-733x450-140x140.jpg)
Moments Matter: Raymond Penn
oct 7, 2019
“This is going to be rough,” Raymond Penn said after a deep sigh, “but I tell my story to everybody.” […]
READ MORE
![National Asset Management Firm Executive and pancreatic cancer advocate with his family](/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/korengold-family-733x450-140x140.jpg)
Moments Matter: Michael Korengold
aug 19, 2019
Editor’s note: In an ongoing series featuring our Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCAN) Board of Directors, today we spotlight Michael […]
READ MORE
![Stephanie Pieklik had a purple theme at her wedding to raise awareness for pancreatic cancer](/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/stephanie-pieklik-wedding-wh-sign-733x450-140x140.jpg)
Moments Matter: Stephanie Pieklik
aug 12, 2019
Many young girls dream about their wedding day. They often picture every detail from the gorgeous white gown that will […]
READ MORE
![PanCAN volunteer with his sisters and mother, who passed away from pancreatic cancer](/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/kaz-iwamoto-family-733x450-140x140.jpg)
Moments Matter: Kaz Iwamoto
jun 17, 2019
Kaz Iwamoto is proud to be a volunteer. His passion for the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCAN) is fueled by […]
READ MORE
![](/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/volunteer-appreciation-month-peter-waxman-733x450-140x140.jpg)
Volunteers Who Make Moments Matter
apr 4, 2019
April 7-13 is Volunteer Appreciation Week, and to show our appreciation, we want to highlight a few of the many […]
READ MORE
![PanCAN Board of Directors member and PWC executive Karen Young, CPA](/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/karen-young-smiling2-733x450-140x140.jpg)
Moments Matter: Karen Young, CPA
mar 27, 2019
Editor’s note: Karen Young, CPA, serves on the Board of Directors for the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCAN). She works […]
READ MORE
![Volunteer with PanCAN founder and singer Erin Willett at Orange County 5K pancreatic cancer walk](/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/mike-linse-733x450-140x140.jpg)
It Starts with Someone: Mike Linse
dec 12, 2018
Editor’s note: Our “It Starts with Someone” series chronicles all kinds of Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCAN) supporters – volunteers, […]
READ MORE
![Volunteer holds a sign saying why she Demands Better for pancreatic cancer patients.](/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/db-angela-robinson-733x450.jpg)
I Demand Better: Angela Robinson
nov 21, 2018
Editor’s note: Angela Robinson is a volunteer leader for the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCAN), serving as the Team & […]
READ MORE
![Volunteer holds a sign saying why she Demands Better for pancreatic cancer patients](/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/db-krystal-fernandes-733x450.jpg)
I Demand Better: Krystal Fernandes
nov 12, 2018
Editor’s note: Krystal Fernandes is a volunteer leader for the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCAN). She serves as the PurpleStride […]
READ MORE
![Volunteer and advocate holds a sign saying why he Demands Better for pancreatic cancer patients](/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/db-todd-cohen-733x450.jpg)
I Demand Better: Todd Cohen
nov 7, 2018
Editor’s note: Todd Cohen, a longtime volunteer leader for the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCAN), currently serves as the November […]
READ MORE
Every supporter of the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCAN) has a personal story about how they came to the organization. […]
READ MORE
![Mother and father with their adult daughter just months before his pancreatic cancer diagnosis.](/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/michelle-lippert-733x450.jpg)
A Daughter Volunteers in Tribute to Her Dad
oct 8, 2018
‘Nobody knows you better than you do,’ and when it comes to dealing with pancreatic cancer, this old saying still […]
READ MORE
![Teen pancreatic cancer advocate sits in U.S. Congress member’s office during Advocacy Day](/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/jackson-carnaghi-733x450.jpg)
It Starts with Someone: Jackson Carnaghi
sep 19, 2018
Editor’s note: Our “It Starts with Someone” series chronicles all kinds of Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCAN) supporters – volunteers, […]
READ MORE
![](/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/nikki-campagna-733x450.jpg)
It Starts with Someone: Nikki Campagna
jul 4, 2018
Editor’s note: Our “It Starts with Someone” series chronicles all kinds of Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCAN) supporters – volunteers, […]
READ MORE
Editor’s note: Since this story was published, Otera completed her Girl Scout Gold Award project and created two videos about early […]
READ MORE
![](/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/pillars-patti.png)
PurpleStride Omaha Team Rallies for Patti
aug 4, 2017
My mom, Patti Swoboda, an otherwise healthy 54-year old woman, was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer just before Christmas in 2012. When […]
READ MORE
![Jill, Diane and Andrew at packet pickup.](/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/andrewstrides-denver1-500x313.jpg)
#AndrewStrides the United States – Part VI
jul 1, 2017
Note: This is the sixth installment in a 10-part series following Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCAN) volunteer Andrew Miller as […]
READ MORE
![](/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/natascha-mom-pre-skydive-500x313.jpg)
It Starts with Someone: Natascha Martin
may 15, 2017
For each of us involved in the cause, it started with someone — the reason we were compelled to get […]
READ MORE
![Lyndsey McDonald and Andrew Miller in front of Nelson-Atkins shuttlecock](/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/andrewstrides-lyndsey-shuttlecock-500x313.jpg)
#AndrewStrides the United States – Part III
may 11, 2017
Note: This is the third installment in a 10-part series following Pancreatic Cancer Action Network volunteer Andrew Miller as he […]
READ MORE
Her big brother, Jim, was her protector and would do anything for her. So when Lorrie Greer lost her hero […]
READ MORE
The Bravest Hero
feb 9, 2017
In just over a month and a half, 150 people, including one determined family, banded together to honor their bravest […]
READ MORE
Kara Friedrich and her daughter, Cassie Musick, have a lot in common. Both enjoy camping, watching Denver Broncos games, going […]
READ MORE
Teen volunteer Eric Doppelt at PurpleStride New Jersey talks about his Voices of Hope program that connects youth advocates with […]
READ MORE
Since high school, Barbara Geraghty had an interest in serving in the military and in serving others. So when it […]
READ MORE
Editor’s note: In light of October being Breast Cancer Awareness Month and November being Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month, we are […]
READ MORE
Diane Schooley-Pettis, a 14-year survivor, and Nichole Velasquez, who lost two family members, share not only a profession but a […]
READ MORE
The Courage of One Is the Inspiration for Another
aug 24, 2016
“I was inspired by my brother’s commitment to make it to PurpleStride DFW 2013, even though he was in the […]
READ MORE
A senior vice president at Bank of America for 30 years, Maija Eerkes had been living a “life of leisure” […]
READ MORE
On April 29, 2016, in Emmaus, Penn., two rival high schools took to the field for a lacrosse match like […]
READ MORE
![](/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/ps-louisville-sparkle-spirit-500x313.jpg)
Bring on the Sparkle Spirit in the Bluegrass State
jul 18, 2016
We often say that the volunteers in our organization have “sparkle spirit”— a spirit filled with positivity, hope and passion. […]
READ MORE
Who knew you could Wage Hope by making (and eating) pizza? Bill Sheakoski and his brother, Tom, of Scranton, Penn., […]
READ MORE
Cake, balloons and a pile of presents are what one would normally find at a 6-year old’s birthday party. However, […]
READ MORE
Pam Kemper was spending quality holiday time with her friends in Mineral, Va., a few years ago when someone jokingly […]
READ MORE
![](/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/Carol-ForemanSm-140x140.jpg)
Carol Foreman
apr 2, 2014
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 2003, I was a healthy happy 38-year-old married mom of two (a 10-year-old daughter and a 6-year-old son). After […]
READ MORE
Volunteer Story: Ginny Jed
jul 30, 2011
Why I’m involved with the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network. Pancreatic cancer slammed into our lives and redirected our path painfully […]
READ MORE
I am writing in memory of my brother, Don Bertoli. He was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer on March 1, 2004. […]
READ MORE
Volunteer Story: Karen Sharkey
dec 22, 2009
In July of 1999 my father was diagnosed with stage IV pancreatic cancer. What little information I could find on […]
READ MORE
Volunteer Story: Vicki Henricks
dec 3, 2009
I knew very little about pancreatic cancer until the day the doctor informed us that my husband Mark was in […]
READ MORE
Volunteer Story: Kristen Angell
nov 17, 2009
This is not about me. It’s about my daughter Kristen, and, my husband, her dad, Ken. In January 2006 I […]
READ MORE
Advocate, Volunteer and Survivor Story: Ralph Cheney
oct 15, 2009
A local doctor told me I had an “undiagnosed obstruction” in the tail of my pancreas after two bouts of […]
READ MORE
Volunteer Story: Dawn Lowery
oct 15, 2009
Pancreatic cancer entered my life when my brother, Ryan Graham, was diagnosed 2 1/2 years ago at age 32. I […]
READ MORE
Volunteer Story: Brittany Black
jun 26, 2009
Clyde Monday, my grandfather and a father figure to me, was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer on August 17, 2005: He […]
READ MORE
Volunteer Story: Maria Fisher
jun 26, 2009
Deadly pancreatic cancer took the life of my beloved and beautiful 27-year-old daughter, Bridget, on January 9. 2007. Since then, […]
READ MORE
Volunteer Story: Jessica Cravero
jun 26, 2009
My husband, Dr. John Cravero, lost his mother to pancreatic cancer in November 1999. When we first met in the […]
READ MORE
Volunteer Story: Greg Petrosewicz
jun 24, 2009
My mother was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in January of 2001. Doctors found it after they performed exploratory surgery because […]
READ MORE