My father battled pancreatic cancer for 22 months before he passed away in November 2023. Surprisingly, it was not the cancer that took him but complications from a subdural hematoma, likely caused by the intensive and aggressive chemotherapy. It is incredibly rare, but it happens. My Dad fought SO hard and pushed himself in every way imaginable to fight to be here for my mom and our family. Even with all of the side effects, every time his oncologist mentioned being more aggressive on the chemo, Dad said, “Let's go, let's beat this”. Even though he REALLY wanted a break.

He always said, “I don't feel like I have cancer; I feel like I have chemo”. The man was tough as nails. Tenacious to a fault. He gave it everything he had. So much so, that what was meant to cure him (or at least give him more time) is what ultimately led to his death. 

I've struggled to prepare for the PanCan walk this year. It's in less than ten days, and I couldn't bring myself to write this or think about it. His death was not quick or painless. It was traumatic and slow, and our family practically lived in an ICU waiting room, sleeping on benches and in waiting room chairs for 3 weeks, 300 miles away from home. Grief/death PTSD is real, and it can be debilitating at times. 

That said, he loved the PanCan organization and the PurpleStride event and gave generously to the cause. 

So, just as I promised him, I will continue to fight for those impacted by this horrible disease. I will fight, walk, and fundraise for Pancan so that this organization can focus on early detection/diagnosis and better prognosis and treatment plans. Pancreatic cancer patients deserve better than an 8% chance of living five years, and they certainly deserve better quality of life in the time they are in treatment. No one should die from the medication meant to cure them. 

This is where I ask for your support. Please join our team (or any PanCan event on April 27th) or donate if you can. Every little bit counts and no donation is too small. We appreciate all of the support we have had over the last two years, especially in the previous five months. THANK YOU!

With Love,

Leanna and the John Family

#FranksForce