Hey there!

Thank you for taking the time to visit our page.  Team Mary Frances is taking steps to end pancreatic cancer at PanCAN PurpleStride on Saturday, April 29, 2023.

We want to make the biggest impact on the lives of pancreatic cancer patients – and we need your help to do that!

PanCAN PurpleStride is the number one way PanCAN raises money to fund vital research that can bring new treatment options to patients, and gives them free, personalized one-to-one support through PanCAN Patient Services.

PanCan PurpleStride is for everyone, and we'd love for your to join our team! Just click the REGISTER button at the top of this page and follow a few easy steps to get set up.  And anyone who registers and raises $50 will receive an official PanCAN PurpleStride 2023 T-shirt!

A MOTHER'S JOURNEY - MARY FRANCE GILLESPIE-STATON

God, family, service, and community were Mom's main priorities.​ She had 11 siblings and raised 5 daughters while being extremely active in her community.  She was affectionately known as the "Boss Lady" among her family and friends. 

Her passions included serving at the Piney Grove Missionary Baptist Church for 57 years.  She was instrumental in establishing the Women for Progress Club whose mission is to award academic scholarships to graduating seniors of Forest Hills High School.  

https://www.wsoctv.com/news/local/nonprofit-creates-change-give-students-color-opportunities-succeed/a800ceae-6318-47fd-9d23-165197074b20/

She served as Membership Chair of the Union County Branch of the NAACP.  She was recognized for her work in the community on February 17, 2012 when she received the 2011 Citizen of the Year Award from the Marshville Chamber of Commerce.  In 2011, she was also awarded the Freedom Fighter Award from the Union County Branch of the NAACP.  

On September 21, 2012, Mom was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.  Family and friends rallied around her as she fought her battle with courage, honor, and dignity. On January 12, 2013, Mom planned her memorial service and attended the family reunion meeting at her brother's house.  On January 18th, with the assistance of her daughters, she hosted her annual Ladies Night Out dinner at her home.  Mama got "dolled up" on this side one final time.  Our mother's journey ended at home surrounded by family and friends on January 21, 2013.  We love her and cherish her memories.  As she neared the end of her journey, she expressed the desire for others to not have to endure the pain of this disease.  

Here's where you come in!  We've set an ambitious fundraising goal - because the more money we raise, the bigger impact we make - and would appreciate a gift of any size to help us get there. 

Thank you for your support!