Phoenix - Pancreatic Cancer Action Network

Meet Danielle, a registered dietitian at @UCD_Cancer and a dedicated #PanCANVolunteer. For years, she has used PanCAN’s resources to support pancreatic cancer patients at work, so when the opportunity to volunteer arose, she didn’t hesitate to get involved. "I talk to pancreatic cancer patients and their families all the time, so survivor outreach fits well with my role as a dietitian," Danielle shares. She plays a crucial role in connecting survivors, ensuring no one feels alone in their journey. "There was one young man, newly diagnosed, with no close friends or family here. I introduced him to two survivors at PurpleStride, and they talked the entire time. That was so great." Her passion doesn’t stop there — Danielle has also rallied her care team to support PurpleStride Sacramento. "We had good old-fashioned bake sales. We sold roses with lollipops for Valentine's Day. By event day, UC Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center raised just over $5,000 for the first time ever!" When asked if other healthcare professionals should volunteer, she says: "Absolutely, especially if you love connecting with others. It makes your heart full to be a part of something outside of the usual treatment spaces." Thank you, Danielle, for all you do to support the pancreatic cancer community! 💜 Want to make an impact like Danielle? Join PanCAN as a volunteer today: pancan.org/get-involved/volu…

National Volunteer Appreciation Week is April 20-26, but we’re extending our gratitude to PanCAN volunteers throughout the month by highlighting a different volunteer each week in April! 📆 Meet Rob, a #pancreaticcancer survivor and dedicated #PanCANVolunteer who is using his journey to inspire and support others. 💜 Rob was diagnosed in October 2019 and faced an uphill battle through chemo, radiation, and surgery. In the early days of his diagnosis, he searched online for information but only found fear and negativity — until a @MayoClinic staff member introduced him to PanCAN. “I went to the site and one of the first things I did was read stories of hope from survivors. That fortified my belief that I just had to stick to the plan and hope everything would work out.” Despite the challenges, Rob remained determined. “I decided to keep a hopeful mindset... It was one of the first times in my life where I truly knew what it meant to be present.” His trust in his doctors and the support of his family kept him moving forward. “The fight was on me, but I didn’t feel alone in my corner.” At first, after beating cancer, Rob wanted to move on. “I didn’t want to identify as a cancer patient anymore.” But as he approached the five-year mark, he realized he couldn’t stay quiet. Volunteering at PanCAN PurpleStride changed everything. “I was blown away on event day by the number of people who came out… I thought, ‘I’ve got to do more.’” Now, as the Phoenix Affiliate Chair, Rob is working to expand PanCAN’s impact, raise awareness, and push for better treatments. His message to those facing pancreatic cancer: “Never lose hope. There are going to be dark days… but if you can make it to the next day, you stand a chance.” Thank you, Rob, for all that you do as a PanCAN volunteer. 💜 If you want to join Rob and the thousands of other volunteers who make our mission possible, head to pancan.org/get-involved/volu….

On World Storytelling Day, we’re honored to share a heartfelt tribute that Jennifer K.W. penned about her father. 💜 She writes, "My dad was a man of paradoxes and passions, a mosaic of quirks and talents that left an indelible mark on everyone he met. With an impeccable sense of order-- he kept his world organized down to the inch, yet his mind was a limitless expanse of curiosity. He devoured books, adored loud cars, reveled in history, and immersed himself in art, photography, and music (always played a little too loudly). He could wax poetic about fountain pens, savor a scotch, or tell you why chocolate and peanuts had no business being together. His love for the sky and sea was evident in his pilot’s license, Naval Academy captain’s certification, and his joy in sailing, yet his feet found humor and style in his eccentric shoe collection. My dad’s accomplishments were staggering: a certified bartender, scuba diver, champion tennis player, skier, and even a surprise golf tournament winner. He restored buildings, built businesses, played the piano, and mastered conversations on any topic. But those accolades, impressive as they are, barely scratch the surface of the man he truly was. At his core, my dad was defined by his character, not his resume. Compassionate and kind, he approached life with humility, humor, and an unwavering sense of integrity. He had a rare ability to listen deeply, laugh until he cried, and find the silver lining even on his hardest days. He celebrated others’ successes with genuine enthusiasm, forgave quickly, and never made excuses — only solutions. Even in the face of pancreatic cancer, he remained steadfast in his optimism and gratitude. When I’d ask how he was, his response was a simple yet profound reflection of his outlook on life: “You know Penny, I’m tired today, but that’s a small price to pay because the sun is shining, so all in all, today is a good day.” He lived and loved without reservation, showing up for the people who mattered to him no matter what. His actions spoke louder than words, though his words — always honest, thoughtful, and uplifting — had their own quiet power. To many, he was the mold from which a man should be made, and to me, he was more than a father. He was my anchor, my teacher, and my greatest supporter. Dad, thank you for showing me what it means to live a life of purpose, love, and connection. The bond we shared is my greatest treasure, and while my heart aches in your absence, I am so proud to be your daughter. I carry your lessons, your laugh, and your legacy with me every day, and that will always be worth the heartbreak." Thank you, Jennifer, for opening your heart and sharing your dad's story with us. 💜

Mark your calendars 🗓️ and double your impact with a #PanCANPurpleStride matching gift challenge! 🚨 Tomorrow at 9 a.m. PT / Noon ET, every donation to your PanCAN PurpleStride fundraiser can be doubled thanks to a generous $100,000 matching gift from the Judy and Peter Blum Kovler Foundation! 💜 Here’s how it works: 💰 Donations will be matched dollar for dollar (up to $250 per donation) until the $100,000 runs out – and it will go fast! 📅 Set a reminder and alert your friends and family ahead of time so you don't miss the opportunity to double your dollars and your impact! Let’s knock out pancreatic cancer together! 🥊💜

Add a custom touch to your #PanCANPurpleStride experience — upload a photo and create your own photo frame! 📸💜 Share it on social media to rally support, and don’t forget to tag @PanCAN and use #PanCANPurpleStride so we can cheer you on! 👏 Spread the word with your PurpleStride team and encourage them to join in. Every post helps raise awareness and funds for the ultimate walk to end pancreatic cancer! Get started ➡️ pcan.at/getsocial

Good nutrition is vital when living with pancreatic cancer. 💜 It can help you gain strength, manage side effects and maintain the best quality of life. Food is also a source of joy! A meal shared with loved ones can ease stress and provide important moments of connection. 🥗🍎🥦🥑 During National Nutrition Month, we'll share recipes that are both tasty and nutritious as well as tips and tools for challenges many patients face, like loss of appetite and diabetes. Join the conversation throughout the month! Here are 3 ways to get involved: 1️⃣ Share a recipe you've found helpful during your #pancreaticcancer journey on social media and tag us @PanCAN! Your recipe could end up on our website for other patients to enjoy! 2️⃣ Explore our Diet and Nutrition hub at pancan.org/dietandnutrition. Here, you'll find our extensive library of resources, recipes, nutrition tips and more. 3️⃣ Contact PanCAN Patient Services for one-to-one support and to receive our comprehensive Diet and Nutrition booklet, available in Spanish and English

On #WorldCancerDay, let's honor, celebrate and remember those touched by #pancreaticcancer together. Tell us about someone you're honoring in the comments and share some love with one another. 💜

We're wishing our community a very Happy Lunar New Year! 🧧🏮💜 May this coming year be filled with joy, prosperity and hope for you and your loved ones.

✨ I’M TOTE-ALLY IN! ✨ Join us at #PanCANPurpleStride and earn this exclusive tote bag! 👜 Here’s the deal: ✔️ Register for the event near you at purplestride.org ✔️ Raise or self-donate $50+ between now and Thursday, Feb. 6 at 11:59 p.m. PT (Already registered? Just increase your total fundraising amount by $50+ between now and Feb. 6 at 11:59 p.m. PT.) ✔️ Get double the rewards! When you hit $50 raised, you'll also earn your official PanCAN PurpleStride commemorative T-shirt 💜 Every dollar raised fuels the fight against pancreatic cancer and helps us get closer to a 20% five-year survival rate by 2030. You have this in the bag. 💪

The cold winter months can be challenging, especially when facing a diagnosis like #pancreaticcancer. ❄️ Even in the coldest seasons, small moments of comfort can warm the soul. ☕🧦 Here are a few gentle tips to help brighten your days. 💜 Share with a loved one who might need them.

Spread hope, joy, and sprinkles this holiday season! 🍪🎄 Host a 'Cookies for a Cause' DIY fundraiser and make your festive baking even sweeter by supporting #pancreaticcancer patients and their families! Gather your community, collect a donation to decorate cookies, and turn this holiday tradition into a meaningful activity. Visit pancan.org/diy to fundraise YOUR way for PanCAN!

We want to take a moment on National #SportsDay to thank all the sports teams across the country who support PanCAN! 💜 From high school and university teams to professional clubs, from hockey to baseball to lacrosse, athletes come together to wear purple, host fundraisers and auctions and raise much-needed awareness to end #pancreaticcancer. We are so grateful! ⚾🏈🥍👟⛳ Tag your favorite sports team in the comments! 🏅

#Pancreaticcancer survivor and longtime #PanCANVolunteer, Nick Pifani, recently shared a heartening update about his journey. 💜 He says, "Put a little extra effort in the 22 mile bike ride this morning. 7 years ago today, I learned that my once inoperable stage 3 pancreatic cancer had become operable. It was the news we were hoping for. I will never forget calling my dad, brother, sister and all my family and friends to share the news that Dr. Charlie Yeo would attempt surgery in October of 2017. I knew if I could make it to the surgical table that I had a chance!" 💪 Thank you, Nick, for sharing this hopeful message and for all you do for our community. 💜

Ruth Bader Ginsburg was a model of strength in and out of the courtroom. 💪 Not only was she the second woman ever appointed to the Supreme Court and an unwavering champion for social justice, she courageously fought cancer several times, passing from #pancreaticcancer 4 years ago today. Her legacy continues to inspire so many. 💜👩‍⚖️⚖️ Join us in honoring and remembering #RBG. 📸: The New York Times

We're sending you reminders this #SelfCareAwarenessMonth that self-care is essential in the midst of a #pancreaticcancer journey. 🌱💜 Make it your goal this September to do something that brings you joy and fulfillment in each of these 5 areas: 🧘 Physical 🧵 Mental ❤️‍🩹 Emotional 🍃 Spiritual 💬 Social SEND this to a loved one who can use the reminder, too. 💌

Today marks 12 years since we lost an American icon, Sally Ride, to #pancreaticcancer. Sally made history as the first American woman in space when she blasted off aboard Challenger in 1983. 👩‍🚀🚀🌟 After leaving @NASA, Sally continued to be an advocate and role model for women in science. She received the highest civilian honor, the Presidential Medal of Freedom, after she passed in 2012. 🏅 More than an astronaut, Sally was an inspiration to generations of women and a champion of science education for all students. Join us in remembering and honoring her today. 💜 📷: Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum

The Olympics are almost here!🏅🇺🇸🏊‍♀️ Elevate your Olympic viewing experience with this themed snack, featuring fruits that are especially beneficial for #pancreaticcancer patients. 🍇🫐🍓🍊🥝 Try it for yourself and tag us in your photo! We'd love to see what you create! 💜📷 For more diet and nutrition tips for patients, visit pancan.org/dietandnutrition

Today marks four years since we lost Civil Rights icon, U.S. Representative John Lewis to #pancreaticcancer. 💜✊🏾✊🏿 We join the world in remembering him and his profound legacy today. 16 year-old PanCAN advocate, Tybre Faw, considers Rep. John Lewis one of his mentors. Tybre says, "The Congressman was a light and an influence to so many – and I’m here to help carry his torch forward.” He continues, "I think in a sense, that’s why we are ALL here – trying to bring light to the notion that we are better when we work together. All of us have the power to unite, to inspire, and to make a difference." We commit to continuing the fight against pancreatic cancer in memory of Rep. Lewis and all those touched by this disease. In honor of the fourth anniversary of the beloved Congressman's passing, read as Tybre shares about Rep. Lewis' impact on his life. 💜 pcan.at/zndmox

33 years ago, beloved actor Michael Landon, who is known for his iconic roles including “Pa” in "Little House on the Prairie," passed from #pancreaticcancer. 🌾💜 As one of the first public figures to announce his diagnosis, he created a tremendous amount of public awareness about the disease. We are so grateful to his family, friends, co-stars and all the Little House fans who support PanCAN and fuel progress for patients. Today, we join the world in remembering Michael and send our love to all who admired him.

For some types of cancer, like breast and prostate, immune responses may vary based on ancestry and gender, knowledge that can help guide diagnosis and treatment options. PanCAN Grantee Janielle Maynard, PhD is exploring these potential variations as related to #pancreaticcancer in the Black community. Black Americans have the highest incidence rate of this disease than any other racial or ethnic group, so Dr. Maynard is working to uncover how biology might play a role and can help inform treatment decisions. 💜 During #BlackFamCan, read more about her ground-breaking work at pcan.at/dyeni9.