“Rolfe Pancreatic Cancer Foundation was instrumental in helping my family navigate this difficult journey.”
“This past June my father, was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. You were an invaluable resource in understanding his diagnosis and helping us get a second opinion through the University of Chicago. My father is doing remarkably well with treatment so far, and we are very grateful for all your help.”
“My dad never wanted to make his battle with pancreatic cancer about himself. He believed in the power of sharing stories, and was all about helping others. Giving back is our family’s way to honor him and keep his legacy alive.”
“I lost my mom 12 years ago to pancreatic cancer. She was, in otherwise, perfect health. As president of Rolfe Foundation, I am fighting for her, and I am fighting for our future generations.”
Everything we do focuses on creating better outcomes for those affected by Pancreatic Cancer. With every edition of The Catalyst, we’ll highlight new advances in research, community members making a difference, and some ways you can be part of the change (while having some fun along the way).
Over the past 25 years, Rolfe Pancreatic Cancer Foundation has been dedicated to funding early detection research to combat the grim statistics surrounding Pancreatic Cancer. Despite advancements in medical technology and treatment options for many types of cancer, Pancreatic Cancer has remained particularly challenging to detect and treat effectively. According to the American Cancer Society, it is one of the few cancers for which survival rates have not significantly improved over the last four decades.
Rolfe’s Young Professionals Board (YPB), brings together passionate young professionals to raise awareness about Pancreatic Cancer and build a supportive community. YPB plans and hosts annual events like March Mania, trivia nights, yoga in the park, and more to raise awareness about Pancreatic Cancer. Although many of the YPB events are free to attend, donations to support early detection research are highly encouraged.
Before we can look ahead, it’s important to look back on some of the accomplishments and time together we, as a community, were able to achieve. In 2023, we funded numerous research grants, launched a new patient and family support program, welcomed a larger crowd at DASH for Detection, and celebrated the memories and stories of those gone too soon. We have a lot to be proud of.
Each year, more than 64,000 Americans are diagnosed with Pancreatic Cancer, and less than 11% of those diagnosed will survive more than 5 years. These people are not just numbers to us. They’re our mothers and fathers, sisters and brothers, friends, and neighbors who were taken away from us by this deadly disease. For us, Pancreatic Cancer is personal.
We have events planned throughout this special 25th year to highlight our journey, achievements, and future goals. There are many ways to join in on the festivities, so be sure to save these dates (especially November 14th for our 25th Anniversary Extravaganza).
Throughout December, we asked you what you would give to have one more moment with your loved one. The stories you shared were heartfelt, funny, and most of all, relatable. From tales of jokes told, cooking lessons given, and movies watched, to dance parties, family trips, and lasting hugs, each showcased a story of everlasting love.