What moment has mattered the most to you during your volunteer journey?
I joined Pancreatic Cancer Action Network as a volunteer during the years we were campaigning to get the Pancreatic Cancer Research Act passed by congress. I was extremely proud the moment I heard that the act had passed and was signed by the president as the newly renamed Recalcitrant Cancer Research Act. This bill was passed during a time that Congress was deeply divided and very few bills were acted upon. This proved to me that the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network can make things happen!

Why did you want to volunteer for PanCAN?
I wanted to volunteer with the Pancreatic Cancer Network as I had lost my brother to this cancer at age 51. When I started volunteering, the five-year survival rate was less than 5 percent. I subsequently lost my mother to pancreatic cancer. This cancer has severely impacted my family. I want to make a difference by advocating in memory of my brother and mother. They can’t.

Why should people get involved in this cause, even if they do not have a personal connection?
A person who has no connection to this disease should get involved with the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network because pancreatic cancer is expected to become the second cause of cancer deaths by next year. Unfortunately, many, many, more people will be stricken with pancreatic cancer in the years to come.  The Pancreatic Cancer Action Network is a great organization in which to volunteer.