Patient and Supporter Stories

On February 20, 2012, I was introduced to pancreatitis. I’d never heard of it before that day. I woke up around 6 am, showered, ate breakfast, made my lunch for work. I vaguely remember my wife driving me to my doctor’s office. I don’t remember much about the next eight days, which were in ICU. …

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June 6th is National Cancer Survivors Day. We asked Erin Rigsby, to update us on her pancreatic cancer journey. (You can read the full story below) Erin was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 2015 and in March 2021, she was able to celebrate five years of being cancer-free.  It’s funny how life works sometimes. As …

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My pancreatic cancer was found because of a proactive heart scan. In 2017 my annual physical was scheduled in February. Because that is women’s heart health month, and my family has a history of heart disease, I requested a heart scan. That scan came back great, but something was detected on my right side. I …

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My pancreas journey started in the late nineties when I was in my fifties. Doctors had no answers for my intense abdominal pain, pain that brought me to my knees. I was diagnosed with digestive issues, pre-ulcers, and treated with prescriptions and over-the-counter medications for several years. I had endoscopy procedures and colonoscopies. Nothing helped. …

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Anthony Joseph, National Pancreas Foundation IL Chapter Chair lost his mother, Catherine Ashton in 2020. Catherine, a native of Chicago was a yoga teacher, therapist, and trauma expert. Anthony shares her story of pancreatic cancer and how he is keeping his Mother’s legacy alive through the NPF. Catherine Ashton- A Change Agent “My Journey” and …

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