In loving memory of my mother, Luz Stella Hoyos Giraldo, I'm supporting the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCAN) in their vital mission to create a world where all pancreatic cancer patients thrive. After a courageous 14-month battle with stage IV pancreatic cancer, she passed away peacefully in Colombia, surrounded by family. While our hearts ache, I find strength in honoring her memory by continuing the fight against this devastating disease.
My mother was a scientist herself, trained in the US through a USAID program focused on the inherited and acquired risk factors that predispose to cancer. She was my earliest inspiration, guiding me from my first experiments to the nuances of grant writing and the profound satisfaction of mentoring young researchers. Ten years ago, inspired by the immense challenges of pancreatic cancer, I dedicated my career to finding a cure. Little did I know this mission would become so intensely personal when my own mother received her diagnosis.
Experiencing this disease not as a researcher, but as a daughter, profoundly shifted my perspective. Living through the diagnosis, beyond the statistics and the science, revealed the deeply human impact of pancreatic cancer. My mother's journey became a final, invaluable lesson, reinforcing my commitment to research and to supporting those facing this disease. Now, in my own lab at Yale University, I carry forward her legacy and the lessons she taught me.
Your generous contribution will directly fund PanCAN's life-changing programs and services, providing crucial support, resources, information, and hope to patients and their families during incredibly challenging times. Now, more than ever, they need our help. Every dollar makes a difference, bringing us closer to a future where pancreatic cancer is no longer a devastating diagnosis. Thank you for your compassion and support in honor of Luz Stella. Your generosity is deeply appreciated.
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