“Pancreatic Cancer does not have a face until it’s someone that you know” This is the sign of the times when it comes to Pancreatic Cancer. In the years that I have been actively involved with the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network NJ Affiliate; I have watched many folks walk right past the table at awareness events, shuddering at the words “Pancreatic Cancer.” Many pull their children away from the table as to not expose them to the facts, statistics, and rawness of this disease.
My initial interest in getting involved was my father’s diagnosis and death only a few short weeks later. I spent months trying to comprehend the idea that the survival rate at that time was just 6%. I needed to do something. There were too many people that would suffer the same fate. My first affiliate meeting a few years ago has turned into my passion, my purpose, and my path.
Survivors are my motivation. They fuel the fire in me. Due to the nature of this insidious cancer, many don’t consider themselves survivors. We honor all survivors, from the first day they are diagnosed. We are their allies, we offer a place of hope and spirit.
We have watched the survival rate rise slowly to 9%. The mission is clear; keep moving forward, keep fighting, and always remind them, that they are defeating the odds each day!
Our survivors need us. They deserve someone to fight for them, to be an advocate, to echo their voices, to stand up for them. While the survival rate is rising, Pancreatic Cancer is now the 3rd leading cause of cancer related deaths. This is unacceptable.
It’s more important than ever to Step Up for Survivors, to let them know that we are in their corner, that they aren’t fighting alone. Whether they were diagnosed today, yesterday, or years ago, I will fight for your future. I will fight for more funding and research. I will fight so no one else has to lose their loved one.
Simply put, our survivors DEMAND BETTER.
For more information on Pancreatic Cancer visit: www.pancan.org.
If you want to join the fight, please email me at Pgirimonte@pancanvolunteer.org
How to donate: https://www.pancan.org/ways-to-give/
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