For several important reasons, I made a big decision a year and a half ago to become a living kidney donor. I registered with the National Kidney Registry and entered the program at UC San Diego?s Center for Transplantation.
After undergoing a borage of tests to qualify, I received a phone call -- just a couple hours before going on stage to perform, informing me that I?ve been disqualified from the living kidney donor program because the CT scan revealed an aggressive tumor on my pancreas. After an endoscopy with fine needle aspiration, it was confirmed that I was a candidate for the only known cure for pancreatic cancer ? the Whipple Procedure.
On May 10, 2024, I underwent the Pylorus-preserving Whipple Procedure at UC San Diego Moores Cancer Center, performed by the master, chief surgical oncologist Dr. Andrew Lowy. Recovery has taken over a year, with neurological complications causing over 100 extreme pain events and an ER visit thrown in for good measure. I have received specialized meds along with acupuncture treatments and targeted injection therapies, with more treatments to come.
Meanwhile, I have since re-engaged with UC San Diego Center for Transplantation, and went through the same battery of tests to become a living kidney donor. This time, I was approved, and in very short order, they found a match! Someone on the west coast. So, my life detour came full circle on July 30th, when I successfully went through living kidney donation surgery.
Now that I'm recovering, it's time to turn my attention back to a critically important matter: Funding for Pancreatic Cancer Research.
The statistics surrounding pancreatic cancer are daunting:
* The 7th most commonly diagnosed form of cancer
* The 3rd most deadly form of cancer, behind lung and colorectal
* Only 15% survival rate, most often discovered too late. Most survivors -- like me, had it found incidentally.
I'll bet you know someone who has battled pancreatic cancer. My mentor, friend, and four-year survivor -- Dr. Mark Goldstein, just passed away. I?m proud to take steps to end pancreatic cancer at PanCAN?s biggest community event of the year, PanCAN PurpleStride! It is with a heavy heart that I will be walking to honor Dr. Mark.
PurpleStride is an inspiring event for anyone who has been affected by pancreatic cancer and wants to ensure vital research continues and free resources are made available to all who need them. To make the biggest difference, I?ve set an ambitious fundraising goal and I need your help.
Will you please donate to my PurpleStride fundraiser?
A gift of any size will provide much-needed hope for a brighter future for the entire pancreatic cancer community.
Want to join me at PurpleStride? Now?s the time! Register for free and take steps with me ? everyone who registers and raises or self-donates $100 or more will earn the official PanCAN PurpleStride T-shirt!
Again, thank you for supporting me and everyone affected by pancreatic cancer.
With love and much gratitude for your support,
Bruce
P.S. Check out my story, published by UC San Diego Health.
Lifesaving Surgery Leads to Generous Kidney Donation
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