Patient and Supporter Stories

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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Hi! My name is Cece Tower and I am from Cabin John, Maryland. I was diagnosed with pediatric pancreatitis when I was a little girl and recently had a Total Pancreatectomy with Islet Auto Transplantation (TPIAT). I am currently in college and my dream is to become a pediatric nurse practitioner so I can help …

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It was an early morning of October 27, 2014, when I had my first attack of pancreatitis. I was 18 years old and didn’t know at that moment that it was a pancreatitis attack. The pain was so excruciating that it had woken me up from my nap. It was focused in and around my …

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