Stories

My name is Jeffrey and 5 years ago on July 1, 2003, I was diagnosed, after 12 hours of surgery with adenocarcinoma of the pancreas. I was given 6 to 9 months to live, and even the first oncologist I met with said radiation might extend my life to one year, maximum…definitely a challenge at the very least.

My sweet and devoted wife Sally and I embarked on a journey…one that so many of the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network's clients begin and unfortunately face every day. It was a search for answers, for reasons, for reality and for life.

The list of tests, physicians, treatments and day to day maintenance I could list would most likely be paled by that of others. I am truly blessed. My treatments through the years, although complex at the least, were nothing in comparison to what I am about to share.

On July 1, 2008, Sally and I threw a celebration of life for my recovery…5 years of survival, and according to my C.T.'s, exams, and blood work, I have reached this elusive goal totally free of all cancer.

We did not take this lightly. At our party, which was a celebration of life (mine) we had over 125 of our local Laguna Beach supporters show up…and even though this wasn't a fundraiser as such, we have forwarded $1,600 to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network and more is forthcoming.

As many of you know, I have spent the past 4 years, since recovery, paying my great debt and fortune forward. I am a Survivor and Caregiver Network volunteer through the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network who can always be counted on to talk, be interviewed, be taped, and do whatever I can to those who find themselves facing the same insidious disease that I dealt with as well as those wonderful members of the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network. Over the years, I have lost many of my phone and email "buddies". It breaks my heart every time I try to follow up on a member of our community and find that they have passed on. And with that in mind, not trying to be morose, I am forever grateful to my family, my friends and support group, my physicians, who to this day watch over me like Gods, and most importantly to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network.

I am forever in your debt, and will be here for whatever help and support I can provide, whether it be for a Survivor and Caregiver Network request, or to help the organization in any means possible -- those who know me know you only need to ask.

At this unbelievable occasion, both Sally and I want to send you all of our love, thanks, and indebtedness…I am here for all of you, 24/7.

Thank you for more than I can ever put into words.