Houston Social Media and Sponsorship Chair Laura O’Hara spoke with Community Engagement Senior Specialist Paula Mukherjee about her inspiration for volunteering and favorite PanCAN memories. This interview has been edited for clarity and length.

Paula: How did you first find PanCAN?

Laura: When my husband, Charlie, was sick with pancreatic cancer, his daughters found a PanCAN group on Facebook. I was in the thick of things and doing everything I could just to get by each day. I started to follow the page, but I didn't actively look at it until after he passed away. There was a post about needing volunteers, and I responded to it and talked to PanCAN staff partner Katie Marquart.

The first year after my husband passed away was a blur. I really don't remember a whole lot of details about that year. But I do remember talking to Katie.

I started out volunteering as the Social Media Chair. When it came time to start planning PanCAN PurpleStride Houston, Katie asked me if I would be willing to be on the PurpleStride Committee.

Paula: Did you know much about pancreatic cancer before your husband was diagnosed?

Laura: I knew nothing about pancreatic cancer. We were thrown into it, because Charlie was in stage IV when he got diagnosed and he was super sick so much of the time. When Covid hit, it made things even more difficult because I would just have to drop him off for his doctor’s visits and at the ER when necessary. I wasn’t allowed to accompany him.

Paula: I'd love to hear more about Charlie.

Laura: Charlie had the most contagious smile and could always make you laugh. He could be very stern if he needed to be, but he was also the most giving person. He would give you the shirt off his back or his last dollar. He was always helping others.

When the doctors told him that there was nothing else that they could do to fight the cancer, he opted for in-home hospice care. That lasted for a little more than 7 weeks. We lived out on a couple of acres, and he would sit outside on the driveway soaking up the sun, watching the deer, and visiting with family and friends.

During the last few weeks of his life, Charlie reached out to people with whom he might have had a dispute or unresolved matter. He couldn't go see them, but he could call or text. He wanted to make things right with as many people as he could before he didn't have that chance anymore.

Paula: You have two chair positions, Social Media Chair and Sponsorship Chair. How has your experience as Social Media Chair been?

Laura: I am very grateful that PanCAN provides us with social media posts every month. I wish we had more engagement, but as a previous caregiver, I understand. You don't have time to comment.  A lot of times you're just scrolling really fast, looking for information, and then getting back to what you need to do next.

The people who are in our Facebook group have so much going on. I may not know all the members, but they're our purple family and I want to do whatever I can to protect them. I try to make sure that everyone in the Facebook group has a reason to be there.

Paula: Do you have people answer a question when they enter the Facebook group?

Laura: When I notice that someone has requested to be a part of the Facebook group, I send them a private message asking, “What connection do you have to pancreatic cancer?” I also let them know that I'm the Social Media Chair and that I lost my husband to pancreatic cancer.

Paula: You’re also the Sponsorship Chair. How are the plans for PurpleStride Houston coming along?

Laura: The PurpleStride Committee last year did a stellar job of laying the groundwork for a great event. We're pretty much on track to where we need to be.

Paula: How is your own PurpleStride team doing?

Laura: As of right now, just my parents and I have signed up, but I hope that my kids and their families are also going to come. I feel like we'll have a good-sized team again this year. The last month before PurpleStride is when people tend to sign up. My goal is for our team, Charlie’s Angels, to be one of the Passion Teams.

Paula: Have you gotten a chance to meet some of your event day volunteers?

Laura: I try! However, I already feel like I'm torn because I'm there to do my job as part of PanCAN’s PurpleStride Committee, but I'm also a Team Captain and I like to walk with my team. Trying to be in two places, and then also trying to be social – it's hard!

Paula: Event day goes by so quickly!

Laura: Yes, and our day starts early. We have to be there at 5:30 in the morning to finalize the set-up. We have to be out of the park by noon, so we are on a very tight time schedule. As soon as all participants are done walking, we pack up and get everything out of there.

Paula: What would you like to see your affiliate do that you haven't done yet?

Laura: I know that the Dallas – Fort Worth Affiliate does a pre-PurpleStride mixer to bring the teams together before the day of the walk. I’d really like to see that happen here in Houston. We've talked about having a social event and inviting the teams or the Team Captains to meet and get to know each other.

Paula: What are your favorite memories from previous PurpleStride events?

Laura: The first year I participated was during Covid, so it was a virtual event. My family and I walked in our local park. Our event had a photo contest that year, and one of the photos I submitted of myself and my two granddaughters was selected as the winner. That was memorable.

Last year, my son’s company had a tent. One of my bonus daughters – one of Charlie's daughters – came in from the Ft. Worth area with her family to participate. We had our biggest team. It was a special time for all of us to be together and walk in memory of Charlie.

Paula: Thank you for everything you do for PanCAN, Laura!

Please feel free to contact Laura O’Hara (lohara@pancanvolunteer.org) or Paula Mukherjee (pmukherjee@pancan.org) with any questions.