Ann's Story

On November 9, 2025, we lost our beloved Ann after a courageous fight against pancreatic cancer. But to define Ann by her illness would be to miss the beautiful, vibrant life she lived.

For 40 years, Ann was a Speech Pathologist, dedicating her career to helping countless individuals find their voice at Dayton Children’s Hospital. Her spirit of service didn't stop there; whether she was teaching ESL to immigrants at St. John’s or volunteering at Ascension Parish, Ann was a lifelong advocate for education and volunteer work. Even now, her legacy of teaching continues, as she selflessly donated her remains to Wright State University's School of Medicine to aid in the education of future medical professionals.

To those who knew her, Ann was the definition of hospitality. If you had nowhere to go for a holiday, you had a seat at Ann's table. If you needed a place to stay, you had clean sheets on her guest bed. She was intelligent, incredibly funny, and generous.

Ann was also an avid card player, which inspired our team name: Hearts in Spades. It reflects her love for the game, but more importantly, it reflects how she lived her life—with a heart full of love, given freely and in abundance to everyone she met.

Join Us

For the past two years, my wife Ellen and I have raised funds through PurpleStride to support Ann during her battle. This year, our walk looks different. We are walking to honor her memory, to celebrate her life, and to ensure that future families have more time with their loved ones.

We invite you to join team Hearts in Spades. You can support us by:

• Donating to our page to help fund vital research.

• Registering to walk with us on [Insert Date] to turn the nation purple.

• Sharing this page to help spread awareness.

Ann spent her life helping others find their voice. Now, we are using ours to fight this disease in her name.

About Pancreatic Cancer

Pancreatic cancer is one of the toughest cancers to treat. It is currently the third leading cause of cancer-related death in the United States, with a five-year survival rate of just 13%. Because symptoms are often vague and there is currently no standard early detection test, many patients are diagnosed at late stages.

Funds raised through PurpleStride go directly to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCAN). Your donation helps fund:

• Critical research to improve early detection and treatment options.

• Free, personalized support and resources for patients and families fighting this disease.

• Advocacy efforts to increase federal funding for cancer research.

Every dollar brings us one step closer to ending pancreatic cancer. Thank you for your support and for helping us keep Ann’s spirit of generosity alive.