Over three years ago, on February 10, 2023, my life changed forever. What we thought were insignificant symptoms – likely a gallstone – turned out to be Stage IV pancreatic cancer. I was determined to slay what I named “Voldemort” (I couldn’t say pancreatic cancer aloud and I knew it had to be destroyed.) By the end of 2023, after 12 rounds of chemo, high precision intensive radiation, and the Whipple surgery I’d basically done that. However, in April, 2024, I developed a few very small and slow growing nodules in my lung.

Fortunately, I was able to join a Phase Three clinical trial for a miracle KRAS inhibitor drug, Daraxonrasib (try pronouncing that out loud!), which is extremely promising. I’ve had no recurrence in the liver or pancreas and the nodules have remained stable for the most part. I was considered in the 1-5% of responders with the most minimal of side effects for nearly a year until recently, when I became resistant to the drug. I feel terrific, haven’t slowed down and am now exploring other treatment options. Still traveling and working out whenever I get a chance! 

Last spring Steve and I toured the Southeast, I celebrated Jaymie’s 30th birthday with a week in Paris and the Loire, watched the Cubs win at Wrigley, and visited Argentina in the fall. In early January of 2026 I spent a week in Israel on a fact-finding trip. And I just returned from Jaymie’s blowout bachelorette party in Nashville.

None of this would have been possible without PanCAN, which has been instrumental in fighting pancreatic cancer through research, patient support, and advocacy. PanCAN funds its own research grants, and it also brings to life revolutionary clinical projects, among which is the current trial I’m on, which could be a game changer in the fight against PC. Therefore, I am a direct beneficiary of PanCAN. Last year the federal government threatened to slash 57% of the funding to pancreatic cancer research, which could have been catastrophic to people like me! Luckily, through PanCAN’s advocacy efforts, the funding was reinstated and research on pancreatic cancer treatments is ongoing. Hopefully a cure is right around the corner! 

I cannot express how grateful I am for your support the past two years. It’s gratifying to know there are friends like you who will come to my aid in this challenging time. 

I hope you will again consider supporting my team by making a tax-deductible donation and/or walking with us, Team Lavender Haze, on April 25 in Santa Monica. Just click the Register button at the top of this page to get started.

Register for free. If you donate at least $50 you’ll receive an official PanCAN PurpleStride 2026 T-shirt. Woohoo!

A gift of any amount will help patients and families facing a pancreatic cancer diagnosis and months of chemo, radiation, and surgery. Let’s help them survive and thrive!

Photos/Video