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Cheryl & Steve Kole

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Running for Amah - we lost her six years ago but she's still alive and well in our hearts!

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Shakas for Rudy
5 years ago I lost my husband Rudy Penamante due to Pancreatic Cancer. We’re walking every year for his memory. We miss and love him everyday. Until we meet again😇👼🏼💜🤙🏻

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Walking for my husband Rudy Penamante💜🤙🏻

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In honor o Promise & Progress!  Eve of 2020 Virtual Stride dinner celebration!

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In honor o Promise & Progress!  Eve of 2020 Virtual Stride dinner celebration!

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We walk for dad! Always loved. Never forgotten.

In hopes of creating ways for others to not have to suffer such loss when hearing the words “diagnosed with pancreatic cancer”.

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3 years ago I lost the love of my life. Bob fought for 12 months from his day of diagnosis and worked up to the end of his life.
Bob was an amazing husband,
father and wonderful family man. He had been the epitome of health and energy and planned to continue his treasured work as an entrepreneur in Silicon Valley.
We miss him every day and will honor his legacy to raise funds and hope that no other family has to go through this heartache.

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We walk for our mom, grandmother, aunt, nina, sister, cousin, friend, Denise Leon. She fought Pancreatic Cancer for 18 months after being diagnosed with stage 4

adenocarcinoma in the neck of her pancreas in August 2016.

Denise was the most incredible human. Selfless, kind and courageous. Even when she was feeling sick from treatment she ALWAYS had a smile on her face and never complained.

We continue to fight in her honor in the hopes that our efforts will save other survivors and families from going through what we went through.

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Frances McNabb

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As a Survivor, Adam has waged an extraordinary battle with this dreaded disease. He inevitably and graciously finds the time and generates the energy to help PANCAN with its messaging throughout this nation. We wish him perpetual courage and unbroken will as he WAGES HOPE.
Steve & Suzanne Jackson

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We were glad to be part of Hockey Fights Cancer at the Shark Tank in 2019 for PanCAN. We were treated with seats and refreshments in a luxury suite and after the game got a chance to see the players for autographs and photos. Looking forward to seeing Marleau play as a Shark again when the season starts. I’m a 3 1/2 year survivor and hope that I have many, many more good years left.

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In Honor of our cousin, Gerry Berner, 3 year survivor!  Early detection and advanced treatment is the key!

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In Honor of our cousin, Gerry Berner, 3 year survivor!  Early detection and advanced treatment is the key!

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Cheryl & Steve Kole

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John Lewis, RBG, and my husband, John Miner...

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John Lewis, RBG, and my husband, John Miner...

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Pancreatic cancer doesn't care if you are a Congressman, a Supreme Court Judge, or a retired carpenter...anyone can get the diagnosis that can change their life forever...and the lives of those that love them. It's been 7 years since my husband died. I miss him every day. His daughters miss him, his grand children miss him, his friends miss him. Because of pancreatic cancer, his life was ended too soon. We need a cure. We need a cure now.

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my best friend and soulmate will forever be missed but never forgotten. your spirit of kindness, grace and compassion for life will continue to shine upon the world by those of us who were fortunate enough to know you. thank you so much for your positivity, optimism, bravery and tireless fight for other survivors for 3 1/2 years. i'm so grateful that you were in my life for 41 of them. 💜

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Congressman John Lewis Faced His Pancreatic Cancer Diagnosis With the Same Courage He Showed Throughout His Life

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Congressman John Lewis Faced His Pancreatic Cancer Diagnosis With the Same Courage He Showed Throughout His Life

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The world mourned the death of civil rights icon, John Lewis, to Stage IV pancreatic cancer on July 17, 2020. He had announced his diagnosis on December 30, 2019.  His courage continues to inspire us.

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Rose Gonzales, wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother & sister. Denise & Dennis dear friends. Dave my brother in law Survivor.

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Rose Gonzales, wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother & sister. Denise & Dennis dear friends. Dave my brother in law Survivor.

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May 2005 was the first time I heard of Pancreatic Cancer. We had just lost our father a few months before. We didn't know who to turn too.  Thanks to PANCAN and all those who support this amazing organization!!   Denise, we know that  purple is your favorite color. Watching you on stage a few years ago as a survivor. It was such an emotional day💜 You would be so proud of your girls.  Dave my dear brother in law never taking a day for granted and living life to the fullest. December 8th it will be 5 years since you're pancreatic surgery. Each day is another gift. Almost a year ago we were all in New Zealand and Australia. Seeing the joy in your eyes and my sister as we explored all of New Zealand.  YES! all of New Zealand.  From Dave..Thank you for all your efforts in helping raise money for this cause. I am grateful for the love I've received. Thanks Dave..Dennis, your family "misses you everyday" love Marie, Steve Denise and Jeff plus all your grandchildren.  I will continue to walk every year for you mom, Denise, Dennis, and Dave you are an inspiration! 💜 I walk to find a cure.. I walk for all the survivors.. I walk for the families and I walk for all of our  love ones that we have lost. 💜

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Justice Ginsburg’Death is Another Push to Continue Fighting for More Research and Better Treatment Options

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Justice Ginsburg’Death is Another Push to Continue Fighting for More Research and Better Treatment Options

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Over the past 11 years, as a long term pancreatic cancer survivor,  Justice Ginsburg gave hope to many patients facing the disease.  We must continue fighting for progress so that more people have a chance at longer survival.

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How many of you have gone to a prom, wedding or other formal event where you had to dress formally? Trudy Blechman, owner of her namesake store at the Pruneyard Shopping Center in Campbell, CA, passed away from pancreatic cancer in 2018 at age 77.  My daughters are among the many Bay Area girls and women who have said “yes” to her dresses. Thank you Trudy for helping them feel beautiful with the right dress. Whatever formal occasion you attend, find something stylish to wear, but remember “Eat, drink and be merry for tomorrow we diet.”

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All will miss her bright caring crazy laughing spirit.  Wearing purple today in honor of her and our friendship …

I am deeply saddened to lose Anita.  She fought a long time. I have notified many close friends who attended her birthday bash and they all expressed their sadness …

We loved her amazing spirit and thoughtfulness.  We will greatly miss her bright and warm personality.  Anita’s bright smile, infectious laugh and enveloping hug will always be remembered.  We will never forget her ability to bring people together Anita was such an inspiration to everyone who knew her.  We will always remember her courageous fight and will always keep fond memories of her in our hearts …

Anita was truly radiant and brave and much admired.  We will miss her beautiful smile and bubbly personality …

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Ironically, I did not hear of PanCAN until 3 years after my Clinical Trial, but am thoroughly engaged by now.  My daughter Catherine Blish, an MD/PhD Assoc Prof at Stanford, found the Trial for me, while Diane Borrison’s op-ed to SJ Mercury showed the way to PanCAN. I have two passions: one is research and its prospect to produce more survivors; the other is to support people newly diagnosed.  There is lots of HOPE after pancreatic cancer diagnosis … and for me also a wonderful new marriage to Marian after being widowed.

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Leo was a kind soul known widely within the Widows & Widowers Society for which he was the photographer. Leo was active at all the walking events on the Bay and present at meetings.  Leo had a tough journey but tolerated it in good spirits.  Initially, after diagnosis Leo took a passive course, letting his MDs dictate the pace.  Toni Andrews and Rich Blish were able to convince Leo to take a more active stance.  There were two great results, only one expected: Leo’s pace of pancreatic cancer spread was slowed; Leo moved from being heavily introverted to being willing to talk freely.  While Leo’s longevity was not what we might have hoped for, Leo will be missed.

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Im memory of our brother-in-law, Steve Nassau with love.

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Im memory of our brother-in-law, Steve Nassau with love.

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Cheryl & Steve Kole

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In memory of my dad who died at the age of 61, unfortunately before PanCan.  Wish we had the support, information, and options back then.  We are glad to be a part of this wonderful organization.
Cheryl & Steve Kole

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Wendy Zonia-Hickey

Rich met Wendy’s elder “sistah” at a PanCAN fundraiser at an SF Giants game about 4 years ago.  Some time later Wendy was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.  Rich & Wendy had extensive discussions about what questions to ask and what courses of treatment might be good to explore.  Now several years later Wendy is still alive and kicking … equally as vivacious as her older “sistah.”

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Linda had a wild ride on the way to diagnosis … and after the fact!  Three successive PCPs were unable to come to a correct diagnosis, so a great deal of time was squandered.  Linda was a great advocate for herself and was smart enough to ask many questions and “lucky” that she was still eligible for Whipple surgery. The tumor was still “small” and not encompassing an artery.  Post surgery Linda was informed that there were a few cancerous lymph nodes (unusual for early diagnosis), so her prognosis looked good.  The NEXT day she was informed that she had Stage 4 liver cancer and she should get her affairs in order.  The current status is that biopsies of the PET liver spots showed the lesions to be benign.  Accordingly, we can all share her joy.

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My Dad and 2 cousins, Vivian and Sandra who lost
their lives to pancreatic cancer.  The best way for me to keep their memory alive is to keep volunteering with PanCAN so others will have better treatments.  I will continue to fight to help change the course of this terrible cancer.

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In 2007, I lost the most important person in my life, my mom. She lost her 3 month battle to pancreatic cancer in December 2007. My family and I will continue to stride and demand better for her. We love you, mom!

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My sister & I lost our dear dad after a nine month battle with Pancreatic cancer in May of 2002. Our vet close friend & oncologist, George Waltuch directed us to PANCAN. We immediately joined & began volunteering, fund raising & lobbying our local & state governments to help further awareness of Pancreatic Cancer.
I miss my dad so much and remember him with such fondness. I think of him often, but especially this time of year as he would have been 87 on Sept 16. He taught me so many things over the years - especially to take time with those you love.
I am so pleased to see Purple Stride happening virtually & am sending good thoughts to all of those affected by this disease.

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Attending Advocacy Day is inspirational every year, as it was even this year tho Virtual. I continue to work for better survival numbers as I crave to share life & love with other survivors (11 yr for me). Be sure to attend PurpleStride Silicon Valley on 7 Nov

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Pancreatic Cancer Affects the Whole Family 

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Pancreatic Cancer Affects the Whole Family 

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Silvana and Fred Brindisi led local PanCAN volunteers for many years in memory of Silvana’s dad, Silvano. Then Fred was diagnosed.

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In memory of Rich Valdes who proved, through his brave battle that stage 4 pancreatic cancer survivors could survive 5 years, give hope to others, and Demand Better of Congress.

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Im 46 years old and was diagnosed after 5 years of complaining of pain...not one CT scan, MRI... nothing! i was given xrays, told nothing wrong and sent to PTherapy. having new stomach issues and received a referral to a Gastro Dr. that dr ordered a CT scan. about a week later i had enough of this pain and went to the ER where i was told I was stage 4 pancreatic cancer with metastasis to liver, lungs, lymph nodes.  Well all i can say is keep hope alive.... In may when diagnosed my CA 19-9 test was at 21000 U/mL..... in july it was 2900 U/mL.......now in September im down to 109 U/mL... ive gotta get down below 37 U/mL to be in the normal range.... BUT thats not all, my lymph nodes are clear and my lungs are almost clear and the other tumors have significantly shrunk. My blood work is all within normal levels. There is hope.... every number that I see normallize keeps me focused to keep the fight up. Chemo is not fun, the steroid side effects reek havoc on my blood sugars, neuropathy all day long, not able to eat sometimes BUT im still alive for my family.

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I am surviving, I was diagnosed 9/15/19.  Fortunately my stage 2 tumor was in the head/neck of my pancreas and I underwent Whipple Surgery 10/3/19.  After 7 Folfirinox chemo treatments, my liver was suffering so we stopped chemo.  So far, I've had 2 clear scans.  I pray to be in the very small group of those whose cancer never returns.  And I pray that the 10% five year survival rate grows to 100%.  Thank you PanCAN!

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Vicki was diagnosed in June 2019, entered a clinical trial and fought with such heart and bravery.  She died on Jan 1st, 2020 at 63 years young.  I miss her so much.  My friends and I are running a marathon in her honor and to raise funds for PanCan - reading these stories broke my heart but lifted my spirits.  One day we will find a cure.