Hi Everyone,
2024 has been one of the most turbulent and challenging years of my life—a year that changed everything. In late January, my dad suddenly became jaundiced. My fiancé and I brought him to the ER, where we received life-altering news: he had a mass at the tip of his pancreas. The mass was blocking his bile duct, causing the jaundice.
We quickly transferred him to Jefferson University Hospital, where doctors performed an ERCP (a procedure to place stents and relieve the blockage). What followed was an unimaginable journey. My dad developed severe complications, including pancreatitis, ascites, and sepsis. His pancreas began leaking fluid, leading to multiple infections. He was hospitalized for four months, during which he endured countless ERCPs, blood transfusions, fluid drainages, and even intubation for a procedure after developing an aneurysm. At one point, he was sent home, only to be airlifted back hours later with critically low blood pressure and sepsis.
Through it all, my family and I lived in the hospital, advocating for him and supporting him in every way we could. Our lives were completely turned upside down.
In the midst of this chaos, my fiancé and I were preparing for a destination wedding in Mexico, with over 50 guests booked to join us. Initially, we were hopeful—my dad’s doctors had expected a straightforward ERCP followed by the Whipple Procedure after the wedding. But as complications escalated, it became clear that those plans would need to change. Less than a month before the wedding, we faced the heartbreaking decision to cancel it.
After months of unimaginable challenges, including significant weight loss, a feeding tube, and rehabilitation to learn to walk again, my dad began to recover. By the end of the summer, he was able to enjoy time with family and friends and even spend time fishing on his boat—one of his greatest joys. In September, he underwent the Whipple Procedure successfully and has been thriving ever since. He is currently undergoing chemotherapy and continues to work, enjoy life, and keep his signature quick wit and humor that we all admire so much.
This experience has changed my family’s lives forever. We’ve seen firsthand the devastating impact pancreatic cancer has on both patients and their loved ones. But we’ve also witnessed the incredible advancements in treatment that offer hope. While my dad is still in the fight, the combination of the Whipple Procedure and advanced chemotherapy has allowed him to thrive—and this June, I’ll finally have the honor of having him walk me down the aisle at my wedding here at home.
Running has always been a big part of my life, from high school and college to moments of stress relief and healing. This year, I am proud to channel my passion for running into a purpose by participating in the NYC United Airlines Half Marathon to support PanCAN, the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network. PanCAN is a leading nonprofit dedicated to fighting pancreatic cancer through research, patient support, awareness, and advocacy.
Every donation brings us closer to a future where all patients with pancreatic cancer can thrive. Please consider making a gift of any size to help me reach my fundraising goal and support PanCAN’s vital work. Together, we can make a difference.
Thank you for your generosity and support!
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