Our Stories
Debbie
I lost my best friend from childhood to pancreatic cancer. She was only 45 years old. We were like Laurel and Hardy, Jekyll and Hyde, Ren and Stimpy, depending on the day. We shared so much together and now that is over, but I will always keep Debbie alive in my life in many ways.
I feel the most honorable way is with the volunteer work I’ve been doing and continue to do for PanCAN. Upon Debbie’s diagnosis several of the ‘girls’ decided to put together a fundraiser. Now 7 years later, we have a very strong Team Hope Minnesota in place and many more new volunteers continuing what we started. I have met so many people with similar experiences, and as much as each of us would like an event named in memory of a loved one, in our hearts we all push in memory of someone who touched our lives, but in unity for the one goal of finding a cure for this very devastating disease.
I am so proud to be a part of PanCAN’s National Board of Directors and watching the tremendous growth they have achieved over the years. Finally, something is being done about awareness and research for pancreatic cancer.
Toni Dachis
Team Hope Minnesota Coordinator
PanCAN Board Member