First, I would like to thank you for taking the time to read my story.

In late 2021, I began experiencing serious health complications, including jaundice in my eyes, severe itching in the palms of my hands, intense abdominal pain, and dark, tea-colored urine. As the abdominal pain worsened over time, I made the decision to contact my primary care physician. After undergoing a CT scan of my abdomen, I was informed that a mass had been detected.

At that time, I had limited knowledge of cancer and was initially told that the issue might be pancreatitis. I continued to see multiple physicians, yet no one was able to definitively identify the mass. I underwent several biopsies, but answers remained unclear. Eventually, I was referred to Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, where I continued to be closely monitored and underwent additional biopsies.

After further evaluation, the head surgeon in oncology at Johns Hopkins discussed my options with me. Because the nature of the mass was still uncertain, I could either continue monitoring it or undergo a very extensive and high-risk procedure known as the Whipple surgery. Although I had undergone previous surgeries and was not easily intimidated, I was made fully aware that this was an extremely complex procedure with significant risks. After careful consideration and discussions with my family, I decided to proceed with the surgery in January 2022.

The surgery lasted approximately nine to ten hours. When I was later able to open my eyes, I was incredibly grateful simply to be alive. Later that day, my surgeon informed me that the mass was pancreatic cancer. In that moment, I knew my life had changed forever. I now faced not only recovery from a major surgery, but also the emotional and mental challenges that come with a cancer diagnosis.

In March 2022, a port was placed in my chest, and I began chemotherapy in April of 2022 that lasted for 6 months. Chemotherapy was extremely challenging, often requiring full days at Johns Hopkins followed by returning home with a chemotherapy pump for an additional 48 hours. After several months of treatment, I was finally able to ring the bell, an emotional milestone that represented everything I had endured.

Today, I continue to deal with lasting effects such as neuropathy and sleep disorders, but I am still here and able to share my story. I give all thanks to God, the exceptional staff at Johns Hopkins Hospital, and the dedicated phlebotomy nurse at Sibley Hospital for their care and support throughout my journey.

For the past few years, I have wanted to become involved with PanCAN, and I am grateful that I now have the opportunity to support an organization that does so much for individuals facing pancreatic cancer. I plan to participate in upcoming walks and contribute in any way I can to help others who are walking the same path I once did.

I truly believe I am here for a reason. Please consider finding it in your heart to donate to a cause that supports research, awareness, and hope for those affected now and in the future. Thank you for your time and generosity.