Real Talk: Survivor, Patient & Family Stories
by Merle Aaron I never imagined I would be a widow at just 51. Robert and I met in 1976 and had a long-distance relationship. I lived in Trinidad, and he ran a motel in the picturesque summer resort town of Montauk, Long Island. He would spend winters in Trinidad when the motel was closed […]
by Catherine Ferris Who gets struck with two unrelated cancers within just three years? I confronted the heartbreak, and the cruelty, of that question—an experience seared into my mind that I think about every day, wondering if I could have done anything differently when this happened to my mom, Elizabeth. As one of eight siblings […]
I was only 11 when my Grandpa Stewart—the charismatic, loving, and enthusiastic backbone of my family and the person who always lit up a room—passed away from pancreatic cancer. My grandpa was diagnosed with Stage 4 pancreatic cancer in 2009, which devastated my close-knit family. He had no family history of the disease and was […]
“I feel it is my responsibility to do what I can to support organizations that spread awareness, education, and advance research, so all impacted patients and families will have a better chance in the future. I am aware this cannot be done without the unconditional support and generosity of my husband Tom.” -Beatriz Illescas, Director […]
By John McMahon Please help John achieve his $2,500 donation goal by donating on his fundraising page: https://events.lustgarten.org/fundraiser/4103320. Before I had even turned 40, the unthinkable happened: I lost both of my parents—my mom to pancreatic cancer, and just 10 months later, my dad to melanoma. My mom, Grace, was the center of our family […]
My parents, two older sisters and I have always been a very close-knit family—a bond that grew immeasurably stronger when my father was diagnosed with the unimaginable: pancreatic cancer. In July 2020, my dad started experiencing abdominal discomfort and was diagnosed with pancreatitis, an inflammation of the pancreas. The doctors suspected this was caused by […]
“ARE YOU READY FOR THE ROLLER COASTER?” My mom and I have matching “warrior” tattoos. Hers is on her ankle and says “warrior” and includes a purple heart. Mine contains an inspirational quote on my thigh: Faith whispers to the warrior, “You cannot withstand the storm.” The warrior whispers back, “I am the storm.” To […]
“You’ll never walk alone.” I never imagined these song lyrics—from a song featured in the musical Carousel—would have such a profound impact on my life or would be such a source of comfort during the most painful time I’ve ever experienced. In 2010, I planned a spa trip to celebrate my birthday with my three […]