In November 2021, I was at an evening work function when I received a strange text from my wife. I needed to come home. That evening, I spoke with my mom over the phone. She told me about a doctor’s visit where she was told a mass was found on her pancreas.
In early March 2022, we laid my mom to rest.
The pancreatic cancer choked her liver causing jaundice and significant fluid retention by December. The external drains which the doctors installed did not function as hoped and ultimately her gallbladder burst causing infection of her blood. The most enduring, positive and optimistic person I know told me from a hospital bed, “you will watch me die.” Her diagnosis, fight and death crushed me and my own optimistic views. How did this cancer I know absolutely nothing about take my mom so quickly?
Two months into her diagnosis I desperately searched the internet for answers. That is when I found Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCAN). A friendly voice on the other end of the phone listened to our story, provided support, gave me information, and educated me about this worst of the worst cancers. Pancreatic cancer is one of most deadly due to its hard to see location, lack of screenings and because it is simply not well known or understood. PanCAN not only provides support to families in midst of the fight but also fights for research funding, supports trials and embarks on educational campaigns. PanCAN gave me understanding and hope for a future where moms can beat it.
During the first Thanksgiving after both my sister and I had left for college, Mom surprised us with an ask to “go for a run with her.” My mom had not been a runner ever, yet she supported my sister’s and my love for running. She had secretly started walking, then jogging, when she found herself home in an empty nest. She wanted to share something we could all do together. For decades she joined us on various 5ks, 10ks, half marathons and even completed a marathon in 2005. Going for runs together was our thing whenever we could get together. She continued walking long distances after her double hip replacements! A table proudly displayed her medal collection at her funeral.
The New York Marathon has been a long-time dream for us all. This November my sister and I, in addition to our cousin, will be running this world-renowned race. I have chosen to dedicate my training and the race to my mom. In doing so, I am raising funds for PanCAN. They have been advocates for families, researchers and legislative action for many years. I hope my small contribution can help their mission. Will you support my endeavor?
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