As 2018 comes to a close, the Volunteer Advisory Council  wants to take the opportunity to thank each and every one of you for a tremendous year. We are so thankful to represent and be a part of a passionate group of volunteers who continue to make an impact on the fight against pancreatic cancer. You all have accomplished so much this year!

• Transitioned into a new staff and volunteer structure.
• Continued to recruit leadership and committee chair positions, bringing in new volunteers to your affiliates.
• Planned 56 PurpleStrides in 2018, including the 27 Fall events that raised more than $7.5 million.
• Completed a successful 2018 November Awareness Campaign, engaging more Champions than the previous year.
• Contacted members of congress to wear purple on World Pancreatic Cancer Day which resulted in 44 members posting about pancreatic cancer on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.
• Continued to bring awareness and resources to patients and caregivers in your local communities.

This December, the VAC is also excited to welcome two new members to the group from Region 1, Anggie Becorest (Sponsorship & Flagship Chair, San Diego Affiliate) and Elizabeth Canuas (Affiliate Chair, Phoenix Affiliate). Both are excited to join the team and will be great additions as the VAC continues in to be your resource and sounding board that will represent and communicate the feedback and voice of all of you.
 
We know 2019 will be an even bigger success and look forward to Regional Summits in March, early Spring PurpleStrides and more to kick off the new year. Thank you again for giving your gift of time and dedication to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network this year. Wishing you all the joy of family and friends this holiday season and the best of everything in 2019!