When the Peilet family first learned of Dave’s Pancreatic Cancer diagnosis in 2020, it was at Stage 4. After learning that the cancer had already spread, Dave, together with his wife Lisa and their children, Luc and Mari, decided to focus on providing the best quality of life.
“Dave’s positive outlook kept us pushing through together,” shared Lisa. “He never complained. He never showed the sadness and pain that accompanies this disease. His ‘I’ll get through it’ mentality really set the tone for us to remain positive.”
It was the middle of the COVID Pandemic, when the entire world was faced with shutdowns and aloneness. Thankfully, Lisa realized she couldn’t do this alone, and that she needed additional information and support to help navigate her and her family through this scary and unfamiliar place. That’s when she found Rolfe Foundation.
“The Rolfe team showed us such compassion and comfort,” said Lisa. “They connected us with everyone from doctors and social workers to resources to help with our finances. Most importantly, they checked in on us throughout. This personalized care was an invaluable gift for each of us.”
Dave’s strong mental attitude and positive spirit remained, even as he transitioned into hospice care. Until the end, he was focused on lessening the pain for the ones he loved. Sadly, Dave passed just seven months after his diagnosis. He was surrounded by his family mirroring back the strength and spirit he had projected throughout his life.
Since that time, the Peilet family has remained in close contact with the Rolfe community and have become increasingly involved in Rolfe’s efforts: Lisa joined the Rolfe Board of Directors; Luc joined the Young Professionals Board; and Mari volunteers her time. Together, they’ve pulled together “Team Uncle Dave” for Rolfe’s annual DASH for Detection 5K run/walk.
In 2023, Team Uncle Dave boasted 70 participants, and raised more than $12,000 for Rolfe’s mission of funding early detection research and providing patient and family support. This brings the team’s total to more than $33,000 in just two years.
“It’s hard for all of us, but we have to help find a path for early detection so no one else has to go through what our family has endured,” added Lisa. “What a wonderful way to keep Dave’s legacy alive!”