My name is Brooke Simmons and I am one of the race organizers for the DoggPound 5k Fight for
Pancreatic Cancer Research. In February 1994 my father was diagnosed with Pancreatic Cancer at the
age of 48. For several months I watched an active, jovial man wither away as Pancreatic Cancer took
control of his body. We did what we could to manage the pain, but we were told there was no hope as
by the time he was diagnosed, the disease was in an advanced stage.
On May 28, 1994 my father passed
away.
In 2010 two family friends were diagnosed and passed away from Pancreatic Cancer. The symptoms and
prognosis were familiar as was the shock and sadness that nothing could be done because it was already
too late. Ironically, one was diagnosed on May 28th. Neither of them made it past the three month mark.
It still haunts me that such a deadly disease shows no symptoms usually until it has advanced.
Pancreatic Cancer is a terrible disease that affects the lives of so many, so quickly. Early detection
research is imperative to reducing the awful statistics, and turning hope around for those diagnosed and
the people that love them.
Thanks for reading and supporting! |
