A few weeks ago, I was in a virtual meeting that started with the icebreaker question, “What is the last picture you took on your phone before the pandemic ‘shutdown’ began?” I scrolled through and discovered this was my last picture taken:



This was from PanCAN’s Mid-Year Volunteer Summit in Dallas with a group of Affiliate Chairs and PanCAN staff. Reflecting back to that weekend feels like a lifetime ago in a different world (and in many ways it was a different world). And I began to think about where we were and where we are now and it is amazing to think about all the work that has been done by all facets of the PanCAN family.  
This image came to mind later that week where a close friend and I, since the beginning of the pandemic, have a weekly morning call with each other to keep in touch and generally encourage each other. This week we spent some time talking about gratitude, specifically as leaders practicing gratitude in a pandemic. We challenged each other to think of three items of gratitude within the variety of leadership arenas that we are part. I wanted to share three about PanCAN during the pandemic:

1. Z-O-O-M: For many this has become a new bad word. And this might seem like an odd place to start but go with me for a minute. Zoom (or whatever virtual platform) represents the ability to stay in touch in ways that I did not take advantage of before. I have had the ability to connect with many of you about PanCAN or just life in general. I have been able to attend Affiliate meetings across the country that I would not have been able to do before. I’ve been able to continually learn and collaborate more than in the past throughout the year. While the technology was available for this before, it gave the opportunity to think about how we could interact more, in our local communities but also across the country. For many of us, almost all aspects of life have become screen-based but to step back and think about it, I am grateful for the technology.
2. Virtual is the New Purple: PanCAN’s vision is “to create a world in which all patients with pancreatic cancer will thrive.” Regardless of our current circumstances, the PanCAN family has come together to move closer to making this a reality. Through virtual PurpleStrides, November Awareness, Summits, training academies, Advocacy Week, and many more, you have worked to move the needle through awareness, advocacy and fundraising. Every brainstorm that was had, a great new idea would arise. Every ask to help with a project or committee, someone would stand up to assist. Every goal that was set, the “purple wave” would form to make sure that it was met. Thank you is not enough for your tireless passion for this organization and cause!
3. $23 million: Despite it all, PanCAN is continuing to fund transformative research! PanCAN is able to continue to lead the way in early detection initiatives and innovative new treatment approaches. So all of the virtual meetings, all of the brainstorming evenings, all of the schedule adjustments to accommodate, all of the creative fundraisers, and all of the communications with survivors and caregivers – all are worth it. Because of all of it, we (PanCAN) are able to make a difference. And for that, I am grateful.

So I challenge you, find a moment to step back and think of three things that you are grateful for.  Maybe at your next affiliate meeting, take a few moments to think of what you are grateful for in this unusual time and space. And in that moment, may you see the good that you are doing and know that “the good” is making a difference!