Before my mom’s pancreatic cancer diagnosis I had not given this disease much thought at all. The only thing I knew was that it was bad. I remember seeing Patrick Swayze on a news program during his battle with pancreatic cancer, and I knew he died of this disease.
Now I know more than I ever wished to know about this ugly disease. I won’t go into the statistics, but I can tell you that in 40 years no significant progress has been made in the realm of pancreatic cancer. In the year 2015, I think that is unacceptable. Organizations like Pancan.org think that is unacceptable too and are working to raise funds for research, government funding and advocacy, patient support and community awareness. Change is happening, but so much more needs to be done.
Significant funding is the only way advancements can be made to find ways to detect it earlier (majority of cases are diagnosed after it has already spread), more research is needed to find more options to treat it, and funding is needed to raise awareness.
Make a Difference | Wage Hope
Sometimes it takes knowing someone personally to motivate you to want to do something to help. I hope after all of these years of blogging, that you feel like you know me, at least a little bit. My mom is not a statistic. She is a beautiful, vibrant, 68-year-old wife, mom and grandma that deserves more. The other people affected by pancreatic cancer deserve more.
How You Can Help:
Doing something is easy and doesn’t take much time. Here are some things you can do to help me shine the light on pancreatic cancer this November during Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month.
1. If you are in Orange County, sign up to walk or run a 5K with us on Team Julie on November 14th, 2015 at 10am in Irvine for PurpleStride to raise money for the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network. Bring your family. It will be a morning of hope and inspiration. Click here then click Join Team top right to join us!!
2. Make a small donation to my -> personal fundraising page. Any amount counts!!
3. Share this post on social media to raise awareness.
4. Write a post on the – >Today Show Facebook page urging them to dedicate #justoneday to pancreatic cancer in honor of Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month.
5. Wear purple on November 13th, 2015, World Pancreatic Cancer Day and share a photo of your purple power on social media using #WPCD.
6. Like the World Pancreatic Cancer Day on Facebook Join the Thunderclap virtual event on November 13th to spread awareness about the disease. Visit the Facebook page to learn more.
Thank you so much for reading this post and for listening to me talk about a cause that is deeply personal to me.
Change is on the way, but people need to start talking about it. And, as a reminder, always listen to your body. If you have a new symptom or something going on that just doesn’t “feel right” – go to your doctor. Wishing you all health and happiness.
Many just don’t know how to talk about it. Thank you for sharing your journey and allowing others to talk about cancer. We will continue to wage hope and i so wish i could be there
on the 14th xoxox
Tara, your comment means so much. You are right, it’s hard to talk about. But the more we talk about cancer the more awareness we will bring and the more change will happen. I am so grateful for your support throughout this journey – you are a true friend and I love you!
Lots of great suggestions… Thank you for raising awareness of pancreatic cancer Jen. Even after 10 years it still breaks my heart to hear of someone else diagnosed with this hideous cancer. Prayers every day for your mom.
Joey, I know you understand, and my heart is with you. If there is a bright side, organizations like Pancan didn’t even exist 15 years ago, so the past 15 years have brought important progress, but there is just so much more to be done. Thank you for your prayers, we cherish and need every one!!!
Can’t wait to TURN IT PURPLE with you and your family on the 14th Jen!!!!! Sending so much love and positive energy to your mom, you, and your family!!!! Xoxox
It means SOOOOOOO much to me that you are going to TURN IT PURPLE with Team Julie! I am truly touched by your participation, love and support. You are a gem Kelly.