Fighting for a Cure and Honoring MJ.

Mary Jo had been going to a chiropractor due to a car accident. Then in late summer 2013, Mary Jo experienced back pain in the middle of her back at the waist.  She visited the chiropractor and had him  work on the back pain but it never got better.

One of the warning signs of pancreatic cancer was missed.

Over Labor day weekend, she went to the emergency room thinking she was having a gall bladder attack. They removed her gall bladder and then discovered the tumor on her pancreas. Doctors sent her to the University of Minnesota for a liver biopsy.  The first biopsy came back inconclusive.  She went for a second biopsy and they discovered the cancer had spread to her liver. She went for a second opinion and was given the same results.

She fought with all her power against this deadly disease while doing chemotherapy.  There was a little hope.  The doctors stopped one treatment and then tried another. But she just could not beat it. She passed away on my mom's birthday August 11th, 2014.

That is why I am involved with Pancan. I am helping to raise money and awareness about this deadly disease. Only 10% make 5 years. My daughter Mary Jo did not make it one year. She wanted so very much to live to see her two daughters grow up to graduate from high school and college, get married and see her grandchildren. She was only 44 years old - way to young.

I am asking everyone please learn the early signs that might give you a chance to beat this beast. Also please support funding to find a cure and early detection.  I thank each and everyone who wants to help make a difference.

Join me for the Virtual PURPLESTRIDE Minnesota on September 12th, 2020.