When we found out that my grandfather, "Pop", had cancer, we were all taken by surprise.  Pancreatic cancer?  I knew little of pancreatic cancer and had never met anyone else who had been affected by it.  Based on his surgeon's optimistic attitude, Pop went into his Whipple procedure with the understanding that, at worst, he might be diabetic after the procedure and would have to undergo some chemotherapy.  Unfortunately, there were some unforeseen complications and my grandfather lost his short battle with pancreatic cancer on September 5, 2005, only 10 days after his surgery.

I never expected it to happen like that.  I always thought he would see me get married, have children and that he could spoil them, just as he spoiled me.  He was my best friend and my inspiration.  My grandfather found happiness in helping others.  He lived his life by the philosphy that you should treat others how you would want to be treated.  He would give you the last penny in his pocket and expect nothing in return.  He has always inspired me to better myself and do everything I can to better the world around me...and, that is just what I am doing.  

After the shock wore off, I was determined to find out what happened and why.  After some extensive research on the internet and a long discussion with my grandfather's doctors, I was aware of what happened.  Pancreatic cancer is the fourth leading cause of death by cancer.  The rate of survival is only 1%, largely due to the fact that it is rarely diagnosed in the early stages.  In fact, there is no early detection method that has been developed to diagnose pancreatic cancer.  The worst was yet to come: only 1% of the National Cancer Institute’s annual budget is devoted to pancreatic cancer research!

In disbelief at what I was reading, I made the decision to start an Atlanta chapter of the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (www.pancan.org).  Now, with the help of my volunteers in the Atlanta area, we are well on our way to making a difference, one day at a time.  In addition to fundraising events, we are writing our elected officials, speaking with nurses, doctors, gastroenterologists and oncologists, and distributing pancreatic cancer information, all in an effort to educate the public about pancreatic cancer.  Our first event, Walk for HOPE Atlanta, will take place at Piedmont Park on September 23, 2006.

Thank you for taking the time to visit my personal fundraising page.  If you wish to make a contribution toward my fundraising goal, you may do so on this website or by mailing a check, made payable to “PanCAN”, to my address.   If you need my mailing address or if you would like additional information about PanCAN, please contact me at bblack@pancan.org,

 Sincerely,

 Brittany Black