PanCAN

Our vision is to create a world in which all patients with pancreatic cancer will thrive. 💜

[PanCAN @PanCAN]

Imagine a world where #pancreaticcancer is detected early, where patients are guided to the best care from the moment of diagnosis, and where discoveries move from the lab to saving lives in years, not decades. That is the future PanCAN is building — by bringing together patients, families, researchers and clinicians to transform the future of this disease. 💜

Today at #PanCANPurpleStride, we launch our most ambitious effort yet, the $250 million All Together We Can campaign. Our vision: to make survival the expectation, not the exception, for the tens of thousands of people diagnosed with this disease every year.

Why now? Because this disease remains the deadliest major cancer and the only one with a five-year survival rate below 20%. Because patients and their loved ones deserve more time, more treatment options and more effective screening strategies. Because our community knows that when we’re united in purpose and vision, we can achieve anything — and we’re ready to take on this next chapter.

Learn more about how, over the next five years, the All Together We Can campaign will invest across three strategic pillars — forming a comprehensive approach to accelerate progress and improve survival for pancreatic cancer patients at 🔗 https://t.co/YRDQ5C0KtA.

[PanCAN @PanCAN]

This National Parents' Day, we honor the parents whose love, guidance and legacy continue to inspire action. 💜

For #PanCANvolunteer and advocate Monica M., honoring her parents means carrying their memory forward through advocacy after losing both of them to pancreatic cancer.

Looking back on her journey, Monica shared, "Back then, my advocacy was fueled by raw, overwhelming grief. Today, it comes from a quiet, steady purpose."

That purpose is deeply rooted in the love she has for her parents and the impact they had on her life.

"If you never met my Maa, imagine someone with a warm heart, a sharp mind and zero patience for excuses. She was a loving disciplinarian who gave us strong roots and high expectations. At the same time, she was the anchor of our home and the person who first taught me to read and write, instilling a lifelong love of literature in me.

My dad carried that same principled discipline, but his passion was science. A devoted Trekkie, he was fascinated by discovery, logic and the universe. While Maa taught me how to feel and imagine through stories, my dad taught me how to think, question and explore through science."

Today, Monica says her advocacy is about more than remembering how her parents died. "It’s no longer a reaction to their passing on, it’s a way to carry their legacy forward."

To everyone celebrating a parent, remembering one or missing one today, we're holding you close. Thank you to community members like Monica who continue to turn love into action and help create hope for families facing #pancreaticcancer.

Read Monica's story at 🔗 https://t.co/fasLXIqUZ5.

[PanCAN @PanCAN]

On the anniversary of his passing, we remember Randy Pausch, educator and Carnegie Mellon University professor whose unforgettable The Last Lecture continues to inspire millions. 💜

In 2008, just months before his death from #pancreaticcancer, Pausch testified before Congress, delivering a powerful call for increased federal investment in cancer research.

PanCAN President and CEO Julie Fleshman shared, “Pausch’s testimony was a pivotal moment for this disease. It helped set the foundation for the Recalcitrant Cancer Research Act, which was passed with bipartisan support into law in 2013, mandating the National Cancer Institute (NCI) to develop scientific frameworks for the deadliest cancers. Thanks to this legislation, and bipartisan support of sustained increases to our country’s investment in biomedical research, the pancreatic cancer research field has continued to grow.”

Randy Pausch's legacy reminds us that one voice can inspire lasting change. All together we can continue to advance research, advocate for people affected by pancreatic cancer and create hope for the future.

Honor Randy's legacy by becoming a PanCAN Advocate at 🔗 https://t.co/VnYz2p6xhq.

[PanCAN @PanCAN]

Behind every strong community are people who inspire, encourage and empower others.

This month, PanCAN is recognizing one of those people: PanCAN team member Joan D., the Community Relationship Team's 2026 Team Member of the Year. This peer-nominated honor celebrates her dedication to supporting our volunteers, mentoring colleagues and strengthening our affiliate communities across Chicago, Michigan, Minnesota and Pittsburgh.

Joan's impact is best described in her peers' own words:

"Joan has been an incredible mentor and friend to me since my first day at PanCAN. Her confidence, determination and tenacity make her stand out as a leader. She's also incredibly kind, supportive and thoughtful."

"Throughout the year, Joan has gone above and beyond. Her positive attitude, reliability and willingness to support both staff and fellow volunteers have made a significant impact. She truly embodies the spirit of service, leadership, and teamwork."

Congratulations, Joan, and thank you for all you do to advance our mission and improve outcomes for everyone affected by #pancreaticcancer. PanCAN community, join us in celebrating Joan in the comments below! 💜

[PanCAN @PanCAN]

We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Chris Anne Affleck, mother of Ben and Casey Affleck, who died earlier this summer at the age of 83 following a pancreatic cancer diagnosis in December. 💜

This year, an estimated 67,530 people in the U.S. will be diagnosed with #pancreaticcancer, and 52,740 are expected to lose their lives to the disease. Behind every statistic is a person, a family and a community forever changed. Learn more about the disease and how PanCAN can help at 🔗 https://t.co/bAwnfKIRoc.

📷: People, Bei/Shutterstock

[PanCAN @PanCAN]

Earlier this summer, PanCAN was honored to join @RevMedicines for their Summer Celebration employee street fair at their headquarters in Northern California. 💜

We're grateful for partners who are advancing innovation in #pancreaticcancer while creating meaningful opportunities for their employees to connect with our mission. A special thank you to 11-year pancreatic cancer survivor, Volunteer Advisory Council (VAC) member and #PanCANvolunteer Sue P. for representing our community at the event. Sue encouraged employees to write heartfelt thank-you notes to volunteers in our Survivor & Caregiver Network, Survivor Council and VAC, recognizing the compassion, hope and support they provide to everyone impacted by pancreatic cancer.

Partnerships like these are a powerful reminder that progress takes all of us. We're thankful to our leading National Partner Revolution Medicines and their team for their continued commitment to the pancreatic cancer community and to PanCAN.

[PanCAN @PanCAN]

Today, we remember Sally Ride, who passed away from #pancreaticcancer 14 years ago at the age of 61. 💜

In 1983, Sally made history as the first American woman to travel to space, inspiring generations with her courage, curiosity and determination. Beyond her groundbreaking missions, she was a passionate advocate for women and girls in STEM and dedicated her life to inspiring future scientists.

This year, an estimated 67,530 Americans will be diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, and 52,740 are expected to die from the disease. Learn more about the disease and how PanCAN can help at 🔗 https://t.co/bAwnfKJpdK.

📷: @NASA

[PanCAN @PanCAN]

Together, @CanopyCancer Collective and @PanCAN developed the first-ever national consensus statements in the U.S. focused on identifying exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI) and guiding EPI/pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy (PERT) management for people with #pancreaticcancer.

Read Part I of the statements, and visit 🔗 https://t.co/U1Z8Qm7eOd to explore the full white paper and recommendations.

[PanCAN @PanCAN]

New treatment advances are bringing new hope for people affected by pancreatic cancer. 💜

On this episode of the PancChat, host @AlisynCamerota is joined by Dr. @ABerkenblit and @DrAllysonOcean to discuss some of the biggest developments of 2026 — including daraxonrasib, emerging RAS-targeted therapies, pancreatic cancer vaccines and tumor treating fields (Optune Pax).

Visit 🔗 https://t.co/HGtNQOd4dT to listen to the latest episode of PancChat.

PancChat is a collaboration between @LetsWinPC and @PanCAN.

[PanCAN @PanCAN]

You or a loved one has been diagnosed with #pancreaticcancer and you need to know where to start.

You had chemotherapy or surgery but now need to consider different treatments.

You're a survivor managing long-term conditions like diabetes or chronic pain.

PanCAN Patient Services can help determine the Right Track for you. Learn more at 🔗 https://t.co/GgeKhmFo7J.

[PanCAN @PanCAN]

A gentle reminder for our PanCAN community this season. 💜

[PanCAN @PanCAN]

On July 28 to 30, join us for our second Ask the Expert Session in partnership with @Smart_Patients, a premier online community. 💬

During this three-day online discussion, Dr. Noelle LoConte of @UWCarbone will answer community questions about KRAS and #pancreaticcancer, building on the conversation from our recent virtual event, KRAS and Pancreatic Cancer: Entering a New Era of Treatment.

Whether you attended the webinar or are just beginning to learn about KRAS, this is an opportunity to ask questions, connect with others and hear directly from an expert.

Join the PanCAN Smart Patients Community and participate in the session at 🔗 https://t.co/JGBl1JwG1W.

[PanCAN @PanCAN]

Today, we remember Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee on the anniversary of her passing from pancreatic cancer. For more than 30 years, Congresswoman Jackson Lee served the people of Houston with unwavering commitment. She passed away at age 74, about one month after announcing her diagnosis of pancreatic cancer.

As we honor her memory, we remain committed to a future where more people can live longer, better lives after a pancreatic cancer diagnosis. 💜

Learn more about pancreatic cancer and how you can change the story of this disease at 🔗 https://t.co/bAwnfKIRoc.

[PanCAN @PanCAN]

Eleven years ago, John Walmsley heard the words no one wants to hear: You have pancreatic cancer.

After surgery, chemotherapy and radiation, he could have focused solely on moving forward with his own life. Instead, he chose to make sure others facing #pancreaticcancer never have to feel alone.

Today, John is an 11-year survivor, a dedicated #PanCANvolunteer, a member of PanCAN's Survivor Council and one of #PanCANPurpleStride Rhode Island's top fundraisers. But what means the most to him isn't the fundraising totals — it's the people. 💜

"When I was diagnosed, I would have loved to have had someone to talk to who’d been through it." Now, John is that person.

Through PanCAN and his local affiliate, he regularly connects with people who have just been diagnosed. Sometimes it's a phone call. Sometimes it's meeting for coffee. Sometimes it's simply showing someone that there is hope.

"I like to meet with them in person if I can. We have coffee together and just talk. I want them to see that I’m not lying in a hospital bed. I’m not just surviving — I’m living a normal life."

John's commitment to giving back extends beyond one-on-one support. Alongside family and friends, he helps lead Team Walmsley-Sullivan, hosts annual community fundraisers and inspires others to get involved with PurpleStride because he knows every dollar raised helps create a better future for patients.

"I’m not asking for donations for my own benefit; I’m a very lucky guy. I ask because you don’t know who will be diagnosed in the future, and they’re the ones who will benefit from the funds we raise."

For John, volunteering is also about showing others what's possible. He shares, "It’s going to be a fight. I don’t like sugarcoating things. Surgery, chemo, radiation — not fun. I understand that it’s hard to stay positive. But why can’t you be part of the 13%? I’m proof that you can beat it, and I’m not the only one."

Read John's story and learn how you can get involved as a PanCAN volunteer at 🔗 https://t.co/6Moh37AFHa.

[PanCAN @PanCAN]

Federal investment in research has helped drive meaningful progress against pancreatic cancer. PanCAN is speaking out in response to the Office of Management and Budget's (OMB) proposed rule to overhaul the federal grantmaking system because protecting research is essential to advancing better outcomes for patients.

If finalized, the proposal could significantly change how federal research grants are reviewed and awarded, disrupting the peer-reviewed, merit-based system through increased red tape that has helped drive scientific innovation and lifesaving breakthroughs.

On behalf of the #pancreaticcancer community, PanCAN submitted official comments to OMB outlining the proposal's potential impact on pancreatic cancer research and patients, joined @OVACinfo's public statement raising concerns about the proposed changes and signed onto the Deadliest Cancers Coalition's comments urging OMB to preserve scientific flexibility, foster innovation and support research.

@JulieFleshman, PanCAN President and CEO, shares, “Advances in pancreatic cancer research would not have been possible without the peer-review merit-based grantmaking system used for decades by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the Department of Defense (DoD). Thanks to sustained federal funding and a grant review process baked in scientific merit, we are finally seeing progress for the third leading cause of cancer-related death in the U.S. We respectfully request the administration to withdraw this proposed rule, and we stand willing to work with OMB and federal agencies to strengthen the federal research enterprise and continue to make breakthroughs to save patients' lives."

Progress against pancreatic cancer is possible when we invest in the science, innovation and collaboration needed to transform the future for patients and families. PanCAN will continue advocating for policies that protect federal research funding and accelerate breakthroughs. 💜

[PanCAN @PanCAN]

Six years after the passing of civil rights icon and longtime U.S. Congressman John Lewis, PanCAN continues to honor his extraordinary legacy and the courage he showed throughout his life — including during his pancreatic cancer journey. 💜

Lewis passed away from pancreatic cancer on July 17, 2020, after announcing his diagnosis in December 2019. A lifelong champion for justice, equality and human rights, Lewis inspired generations through his commitment to creating what he called “good trouble.”

From his role as an original Freedom Rider and civil rights leader to his nearly 35 years of service in the U.S. House of Representatives, Lewis dedicated his life to making a difference. He continued that fight after his diagnosis, sharing, “I have never faced a fight quite like the one I have now.”

In 2026, an estimated 67,530 Americans will be diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, and 52,740 are expected to die from the disease. Our vision: to make survival the expectation, not the exception, for people diagnosed with this disease every year. Learn more at 🔗 https://t.co/bAwnfKJpdK.

📷: Entertainment Weekly, David Hume Kennerly

[PanCAN @PanCAN]

Ahead of the five-year anniversary of Congressman John Lewis’ passing, we are revisiting a previously featured story highlighting his cousin and nephew and how they continue to honor his legacy each day while raising awareness about pancreatic cancer. 💜

https://t.co/m2tKl5ZPWw