12/14/2009 - Our mom, Judy Dian Anderson, was diagnosed with stage IV pancreatic cancer on November 27, 2009.  This after surviving breast cancer....  An energetic and loving 57 year young woman with a passion for life and the outdoors.  When she is not spending time with her husband, Mark (42 years together), at their cabin in the woods, or sitting on the swing in the back yard, she can be found hanging out with her grandchildren (ages 2 - 8), her daughter, or her mom and brothers.  Judy owns her own business in Coeur d'Alene, ID and a fixture within the community.  

The prognosis is relatively poor but has improved; the three-year survival rate is now about thirty percent (according to the Washington University School of Medicine), but less than 5 percent of those diagnosed are still alive five years after diagnosis.  Complete remission is still rather rare.  Not as prevalent as breast or prostate cancer, not a nearly enough research is being done for pancreatic cancer.

Mom has began Chemo treatment on December 14th with the hopes of slowing or shrinking the tumor in her pancrease and liver.  She finally returned home on December 24th.  Luckily, she has a wonderful support group and many that love her. 

12/31/09 - Judy was admitted to the hospital for pneumonia and later admitted to the ICU and put on a ventilator.  Ultimately, it was found that the cancer tumor was growing rapidly and the chemo treatment was not working.  

1/5/2010 - Having come off the ventilator, last conversations were able to be had with lots of hugs and kisses.  Our mother and loving wife to Mark, passed early in the morning having been surrounded by friends and family who told stories of love and admiration for this wonderful woman.  Having been by her bedside for the preceding 30 hours, I know that when she passed away, she was not in discomfort, and knowing of all of the love that surrounded her.  Mom has touched many peoples lives over her short 57 years.  I can't imagine how many more life's she could have touched has she been around to fill her remaining years to old age.  She will be loved and missed by all whom she touched.  I love you mom.

I would like to do everything I can to help raise awareness and forward the effort to find a cure for this terrible form of cancer.  To do this, I am looking to raise funds and make a donation in my mothers name as she fights against this cancer.  I will be running the Leadville 100 mile trail run this August with a goal of raising $50 thousand dollars.  While running 100 miles non-stop will be a daunting task, it is nothing compared to what my mother (and others like her) will endure since being diagnosed with Pancreatic Cancer.  Please help us find a cure.

Race info:

http://www.leadvilletrail100.com/LT100Races/LeadvilleTrail100MileRun/Overview.aspx

Straight donation or pledge per mile (e-mail me trirons@mac.com) for extra incentive.  If you are or anyone else is uncomfortable with online donations, then please send donation to the following:

Pancreatic Cancer Action Network

Attn: Community Outreach Events, EVCO082110SA

 

2141 Rosecrans Ave., Suite 7000

El Segundo, CA 90245

 

Thank you for visiting my Personal Fundraising Page. Donating through this site is simple, fast and totally secure. It is also the most efficient way to make a contribution to my fundraising efforts. Many thanks for your support -- and don't forget to forward this to anyone who you think might want to donate too!