Why I Want To Become A Pancreatic Cancer Advocate

Introduction

After being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 2006, I have found myself involved in several different ways to support other people who are going through the same thing that I did. While my involvement started out small, it has grown over time into something much bigger than I ever imagined. In this article, I’ll explain why becoming an advocate for pancreatic cancer is so important to me and why anyone who has been diagnosed with the disease should consider doing the same thing!

Being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 2006 was a life changing experience for me.

Being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 2006 was a life changing experience for me. It was a stressful, challenging, scary, sad, emotional and uncertain time; but most of all it was a lonely time.

I had spent the previous two years trying to maintain my health after being diagnosed with Breast Cancer in 2004 which had metastasized to my bones and brain (I am now cancer free). I didn’t think that this diagnosis would be as difficult as it was because I assumed that everyone knew about Pancreatic Cancer and how deadly it could be if left untreated or misdiagnosed until too late. Unfortunately this wasn’t the case for me; although I have always been aware that there are no symptoms associated with Pancreatic Cancer until it has spread elsewhere in the body (which happened in my case), it wasn’t until researching information online when I felt panic rise within me knowing what might happen next! The thought of having surgery again made things seem even more hopeless than before so instead of going through conventional treatment options like surgery followed by radiation therapy or chemotherapy treatments….

Pancreatic cancer is the third leading cause of cancer death in America.

Pancreatic cancer is the third leading cause of cancer death in America. In fact, it kills more people than colon, breast, and prostate cancers combined. The American Cancer Society estimates that there will be over 50,000 new cases of pancreatic cancer this year alone—that’s three times as many cases as cervical cancer!

It’s no secret that cancer has become the second leading cause of death in America (behind heart disease). It’s estimated that nearly 1 million Americans will die from some form of cancer this year alone; while certain types are on the decline (lung), others like pancreatic are not only increasing in prevalence but also taking lives at an alarming rate:

The only person that can really advocate for you and your family is you.

A lot of people don’t think about it enough, but the only person that can really advocate for you and your family is you.

You are the one who knows your situation best, both mentally and physically. You are the one who knows what is best for your family, and how they should be treated in order to help them get through this ordeal as easily as possible. You also know what it means to see someone close to you go through pancreatic cancer, and how hard that can be on everyone involved. You know what is needed in order to achieve this goal of helping others while still being able to take care of yourself or those closest to you.

If I learned anything from my experiences with this disease, it’s that we need more people like myself out there advocating for those affected by pancreatic cancer every day–and not just me either! There are many other advocates out there who have been affected by this disease in some way too–it could even be a loved one or friend who has been diagnosed with this type of cancer.

There will always be someone else doing things such as fundraising events in order to raise money for research into finding better ways of treatment options available today; however these events often cost money which makes them inaccessible for some individuals unable-to-afford attending these types’ events due lack resources available at their disposal.”

Being an advocate for pancreatic cancer is not a burden, it’s very fulfilling.

Being an advocate for pancreatic cancer is not a burden, it’s very fulfilling. It is a great way to give back to the community and help others find the resources they need. I have met many survivors and caregivers who are so thankful that someone like me has taken time out of their day to share my story with them.

Being an advocate is a rewarding experience because you get so much out of it. You will meet many other survivors and caregivers at events or during interviews about your journey with this disease and you can help each other through these hard times in life!

The first thing I did to become a pancreatic cancer advocate was register myself on the online patient directory, Patient Central, offered by the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network.

The first thing I did to become a pancreatic cancer advocate was register myself on the online patient directory, Patient Central, offered by the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network. Patient Central is an online platform where patients can connect with others who are going through similar experiences and share their thoughts about their illness with them. The site also offers information on clinical trials, medication and treatment options, survivorship issues and more. It’s a great way to learn more about your disease as well as find out what other people in your situation have done to cope with their condition. Many people use this tool to keep up with doctors and stay informed about upcoming tests or appointments so that they can be prepared for them before they happen!

I also created a Facebook group called “Pancreatic Cancer Survivors” where I invite any and all survivors to join.

One of the first things I did when I became a pancreatic cancer advocate was to create a Facebook group called “Pancreatic Cancer Survivors.” This is where people who have had or are currently battling pancreatic cancer can share their experiences and help each other through tough times. The idea behind this group is that many people wouldn’t know about it unless someone told them about it, so I invite anyone who has had pancreatic cancer to join this group – and anyone else who has been affected by it – no matter what stage your disease might be in!

Another way I became involved was by participating in the local support group meetings that the PanCAN affiliate in my area hosts.

Another way I became involved was by participating in the local support group meetings that the PanCAN affiliate in my area hosts. Although I don’t live close to where they meet, they were willing to schedule a meeting so I could attend. The meetings offer a space for people with pancreatic cancer and their loved ones to connect with others who are going through similar experiences. It is a great way to learn from each other and share your experiences as well as get help from the group leaders. Support groups can be in person or online; it’s up to you!

On World Pancreatic Cancer Day I participate in social media campaigns created by PanCAN to spread awareness such as PurpleLight events and #WPCD posts on Twitter.

On World Pancreatic Cancer Day, I participate in social media campaigns created by PanCAN to spread awareness such as PurpleLight events and #WPCD posts on Twitter.

You can post your own purple profile picture on Facebook or Instagram, which turns the site purple for 24 hours. You can also buy a “World Pancreatic Cancer Day” wristband that people can wear to show they support pancreatic cancer research. On Twitter you can tweet about how important it is to raise money for research such as “Donate $10 (or more) now!” or “Make sure you’re registered with @PancreaticCancerUSA before May 3rd!” You could even write your own blog post about what it means to be a pancreatic cancer advocate!

One of my favorite things I have done as an advocate has been volunteering to help with various awareness events hosted by PanCAN like PurpleLight walks, SurvivorLIVE events, and Hope Galas.

One of my favorite things I have done as an advocate has been volunteering to help with various awareness events hosted by PanCAN like PurpleLight walks, SurvivorLIVE events, and Hope Galas. This is because I love being able to give back and help out the organization that has helped me so much over the years.

Another thing that is great about volunteering with PanCAN is getting to meet and interact with other survivors who are going through similar experiences as myself. Volunteering allows me to hear their stories first-hand, which helps me grow in my own journey as well.

Volunteering also gives you a chance to meet other advocates who share the same passion for helping others! You get inspired by them every day when you see how passionate they are about spreading awareness about pancreatic cancer or raising funds for research projects!

I am so happy to be able to give back at least a little bit after all that PanCAN has done for me since day one of my diagnosis when I found them online.

I am so happy to be able to give back at least a little bit after all that PanCAN has done for me since day one of my diagnosis when I found them online. After my diagnosis, we immediately started calling other groups and asking for help. They were the first group out there who would help us and guide us through everything that comes with having a cancer diagnosis in your life. They have provided so much support, education, and hope through every step of this journey with pancreatic cancer.

Conclusion

I hope that you will consider becoming an advocate for pancreatic cancer. You can make a difference in this world by helping to raise awareness and get more funding for research so we can one day find a cure! There are many ways to do this, whether through social media campaigns or volunteering your time at events like PurpleLight walks or Hope Galas (like me). The most important thing is that you start now!