Sky Foundation, Inc.

Alfred was a pancreatic cancer patient that developed a close relationship with Sheila and Sky Foundation. Al's commitment to Sky Foundation went beyond his lifetime. Through a planned gift, Al ensured that his passion for fighting pancreatic cancer would continue to make a difference. His generosity is a beacon of hope, fueling our mission and bringing us closer to a future where early detection saves lives. Al’s legacy is a powerful reminder that we all have the ability to leave a lasting impact.

View our Planned Giving Page here: https://skyfoundationinc.org/sky-foundation-planned-giving-options/

Today would have been Sheila’s 84th birthday. 🎂 We remember our founder not just for the life she lived, but for the legacy she left behind. Sheila’s courage and vision laid the groundwork for Sky Foundation, and her spirit continues to inspire us every day. As we honor her memory, we remain committed to carrying her mission forward, fighting for early detection and the future she envisioned. 💜

Feeling the weekend vibes, revisiting this Hour Detroit Magazine article on our recent Doctails Mixer at Pine Lake Country Club.

https://www.hourdetroit.com/party-pics/skys-doctail-mixer/

🎉🍹🍻☀️🌊

Sky's Doctail Mixer - Hour Detroit Magazine Sky Foundation, Inc. held its 2024 Doctail Mixer event at Pine Lake Country Club in West Bloomfield on July 21.

We are thrilled to share the resounding success of our first-ever Doctail Mixer, and we couldn't have done it without each and every one of you!

We look forward to seeing you at our future events as we continue to work together towards a brighter, healthier future.

Enjoy the photo album from the event!

2024 Sky Doctails. Mixer Photo collection by Flores Photo Design

If you work in pancreatic cancer research in the United States, there's a good chance this last week of July will be spent polishing up your application for our annual seed grant!

Applications are due on August 1, 2024 ⬇
https://skyfoundationinc.org/2024-grant-applications/

Three 50,000 USD awards will be granted this year, and according to Leigh Settlemoir, PhD, MBA, SPHR, "the funding is intended to kickstart studies in pancreas cancers and their treatment so they may be funded on a larger scale later (e.g. National Institutes of Health in the U.S.)."

Learn more about these awards by reading the ScientifyResearch full interview with Leigh, Governing Board Member and Scientific Advisory Committee Liaison at Sky Foundation ⬇
https://www.scientifyresearch.org/blog/sky-foundation-perspective-from-funder-leigh-settlemoir/

Good luck to this year's applicants!

Excited to see you tonight at our 🍹 Doctail Mixer!

📍 Pine Lake Country Club
🕕 6:00 PM - 8:30 PM

If you haven’t gotten your tickets yet, no worries! You can still purchase them on our website or at check-in. We have fantastic raffle items, an amazing 52-card raffle, and delicious cocktails prepared by our Docs waiting for you. ⚓️

🌊 See you on the dock!

🌟🔬 Meet our incredible team Karmanos Quad-ologists dedicated to curing cancer. They have created a healthy and N/A version of their drink keeping with their focus of being health driven!

Join us at the Doctail Mixer for a unique experience to mingle with Drs. Azmi, Sheilds, Hallak, and Saif, all experts in pancreatic cancer. They'll be mixing up refreshing mocktails and sharing their invaluable insights into cancer research. Don’t miss this chance to engage with these inspiring professionals!

🍹Register here: https://www.classy.org/event/doctail-mixer/e588248

🌟🩺 Introducing Dr. Andrea Staley 🌟As a dedicated physical therapist, Dr. Staley is committed to helping others regain strength and mobility.

At Sky's Doctail Mixer, she will be mixing up delicious drinks while also supporting pancreatic cancer research! Join us for an evening of fun and philanthropy. 💜

🍹Register here: https://www.classy.org/event/doctail-mixer/e588248

🌟🩺 Exciting news! Dr. Ried Kaminski is one of our featured Doctenders at the Pine Lake Country Club for Sky’s Doctail Mixer.

Did you know chiropractic care can support your immune health? Come join us for a drink and chat with Dr. Ried about all the benefits his expertise can offer. See you there! 💜

🍹Register here: https://www.classy.org/event/doctail-mixer/e588248

🎨✨ Exciting News! Sky Foundation will have a nonprofit booth at the Ann Arbor Art Fair from July 18-20! 🌟

Swing by to learn more about our mission to fight pancreatic cancer and enjoy some fantastic perks. Come see us for Exclusive Giveaways, Interactive activities, valuable information, and an introduction to fabulous Sky Volunteers and pancreatic cancer survivors!

We can't wait to see you there! 💜

🌟🩺 Introducing Dr. Lauren Eichenbaum. Caring for the health of others might just be in her genes. She is one of three doctors in her immediate family.

As a Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Specialist, she provides nonsurgical options for patients with back, hip, knee pain and other musculoskeletal ailments. But, at Sky's Doctail Mixer, she will be providing a yummy concoction for you to sip AND a dose of support for pancreatic cancer research!

🍹Register here: https://www.classy.org/event/doctail-mixer/e588248

🚨 Attention Scientists! 🚨
Don't forget to submit your grant applications for the Sky Foundation Seed Grant of $50,000! 🌟 This is an incredible opportunity to fund your innovative research and make a significant impact. Apply now and take the next step towards advancing your research!

🗓️ Due Date: August 1st

🌐🔬Application Link: https://skyfoundationinc.org/2024-grant-applications/

2024 Grant Applications - Sky Foundation Inc Sky Foundation Seed Grant Application 2024 We award seed-money grants – with initial grants starting at $50,000 – to provide the essential funds needed by researchers to develop their projects to the point where they can compete and secure major funding from the National Institutes of Health and...

🌟🔬 Meet Dr. Howard Crawford! We're honored to have Dr. Crawford from Henry Ford Health at the Doc-Tail Mixer. His groundbreaking work in pancreatic cancer research is helping pave the way for new treatments. Join us for an evening of great conversations and cocktails mixed by Dr. Crawford himself! Crawford

🍹Register here: https://www.classy.org/event/doctail-mixer/e588248

🌟 Introducing Dr. Jeffrey Haddad! As a dentist in Oakland County for over 20 years, as well as being an expert in TMJ and sleep apnea, Dr. Haddad is passionate about the role he plays in the overall health and well-being of his patients.

When invited to participate in Sky's Doctail Mixer, he was excited about the opportunity to support pancreatic cancer research (and to display his masterful mixology skills!)

🍹Register here: https://www.classy.org/event/doctail-mixer/e588248

🎉🎂 Happy Birthday to Jody Pieprzak Skonieczny and Annie Dalton Flores! 🎂🎉

Join us in celebrating two incredible leaders of Sky Foundation, Executive Director, Jody (7/10) and Director of Events, Annie (7/11), who both have their birthdays this month!

Jody, your dedication and inspiring vision drive us forward every day. Annie, your event planning prowess and contagious enthusiasm bring our mission to life in the most remarkable ways.

Thank you both for your tireless efforts and passion in the fight against pancreatic cancer. Wishing you both a fantastic birthday month filled with joy, love, and well-deserved celebration!

Cheers to Jody and Annie! 🥳💜

On July 4th, Klutina Salmon Charters and Campground hosted the 2nd Annual Todd Schlumbohm Sockeye Classic, raising $850 for pancreatic cancer research. The event, held on the scenic Klutina River, honors the memory of Todd Schlumbohm, a beloved regular at the campground who passed away from pancreatic cancer.

The annual classic not only celebrates the life of Todd Schlumbohm but also draws attention to the ongoing need for pancreatic cancer research while showcasing the natural beauty and fishing opportunities of the Klutina River.

Thank you to Jay McDowell for organizing such a worthy cause for a wonderful person, that will be missed.

🌟🔬 Introducing Dr. Eileen Carpenter! Join us at the Doctail Mixer to meet Dr. Carpenter, a brilliant researcher at Michigan Medicine making strides in pancreatic cancer research. Her dedication to the cause is inspiring, and you'll have the chance to chat with her over her specially crafted cocktail!

Register here: https://www.classy.org/event/doctail-mixer/e588248

Michigan Medicine

⚓ Introducing our Doctail Mixer Anchor, Dr. Partha Nandi! ⚓

Dr. Nandi, host of the Emmy award-winning medical lifestyle show "Ask Dr. Nandi," will be leading us through a night of fun and relaxation at Pine Lake Country Club for Sky Foundation's first-ever Doctail Mixer. Renowned for his no-nonsense approach to food and fitness, Dr. Nandi combines Eastern and Western philosophies, emphasizing the amazing health benefits of spirituality, mindfulness, and community.

Join us for an unforgettable evening—come for the fun, stay for the impact! 💜

🌊Pine Lake Country Club
🎤Partha Nandi, MD | ABC News

Register for the event here: https://www.classy.org/event/doctail-mixer/e588248

Come to enjoy cocktail and mocktail samples prepared by Doctors right in your backyard. These doctors range with a variety of backgrounds, all aligned in the fight against pancreatic cancer. Enjoy an evening out with live music along the shore of beautiful Pine Lake.

This event funds pancreatic cancer research, bringing us closer to developing effective treatments and improving survival rates for this challenging disease.

Register Today: https://www.classy.org/event/doc-tail-mixer/e588248

Counting down the days until SUNDAY!! 🌟🎊

This is an open mixer. Choose your level of play. You can switch partners or keep the same one and see how many games you can win together!

If you haven't registered yet, you still can! 👏🏓

Register here: https://www.classy.org/event/2024-movement-pickleball-edition/e575508

Sky Foundation announces its 2024 seed grant call for proposals. All researchers in the areas of early detection and treatment of pancreatic cancer are welcome to apply!

Click the link below to learn more & apply:

2024 Sky Grant Application - Sky Foundation Inc Sky Foundation Seed Grant Application 2024 We award seed-money grants – with initial grants starting at $50,000 – to provide the essential funds needed by researchers to develop their projects to the point where they can compete and secure major funding from the National Institutes of Health and...

Thank you for joining us through 🌎Sky Movement!

We've received tremendous support over the past week, and we're excited to see more events emerge throughout the year from this amazing community. If you didn't get a chance to host your own Sky Movement event, don't worry—you can organize one at a time that works best for you.

Comment on here or reach out directly to our Event Director Annie Dalton Flores and she can assist you with setting up a team page and organize a great activity for your group.

Check out all our Sky Movement Events in the photo album below:

2024 Sky Movement Photo collection by Sky Foundation Inc.

Marlene Malkin & Ed Malkin are Sky's infamous 🌟SKY ALL STARS. They have been Team Leaders in Sky Movement since the beginning. They reached new heights this year by stretching from their seats in a Chair Yoga class🪑🧘‍♂ led by Citizen Yoga teacher, Carly Violet 💜

It was an informative event focused on pancreatic cancer, covering early symptoms and risk factors. More importantly, it was an opportunity to come together and take proactive steps for better health.

Thank you for making an impact during our 🌎 Sky Movement!

📸 Flores Photo Design

🌟 Wrapping up our Sky Movement Spirit Week, we had an amazing afternoon with Coating Equipment Technology, Inc . during their potluck! Huge thanks to their incredible team for participating in all our activities:

✨ Monday: Sky Movement shirts
🧘‍♀️ Tuesday: Chair yoga
🚶‍♂️ Wednesday: Steps goal and lunchtime walk
🧘‍♂️ Thursday: Meditation
👩‍🍳 Friday: Competitive cook-off

Annie Dalton Flores (Sky's Event Director) & Jody Pieprzak Skonieczny (Sky's Executive Director) joined in for a lovely lunch discussing pancreatic cancer, risk factors, genetic testing, symptoms, and upcoming events.

Big shoutout to CET for being awesome sponsors, participants, and all-around amazing people!

Thank you for making an impact during our 🌎 Sky Movement!

🌎SKY MOVEMENT 🍪GOLDIES MANDEL BREAD SALE

Lisa Orechkin Berkey raises awareness and funds pancreatic cancer research through the sale of her delicious Mandel Bread! Over the years she has teamed up with Star Bakery to spread the word in the community. This year she is continuing the sale on her own through Sky Movement!

Lisa is deeply passionate about our cause because she lost her beloved sister to this terrible disease. She continues to fight in her sister Sharon's legacy.

Visit her page, Goldie's Mandel Bread, or simply donate to her cause on her donation page: https://give.classy.org/GoldiesMandelBread2024

🎉🎉Sale dates are June 3rd - June 17th. 50% of sales go directly to fund research through Sky Foundation. 🙌

Thank you for making an impact during our 🌎 Sky Movement!

🌎SKY MOVEMENT 🏓PADDLE FOR A CURE 💜

Melissa Becker Chermack & Jay McDowell organized an outstanding pickleball event at Wolverine Pickleball for Sky Movement, showcasing their incredible dedication toward our cause.

Melissa devoted her efforts towards this event in honor her late husband who underwent chemo and multiple trials with incredible strength for 3 and a half years after his diagnosis. She has been spreading awareness about early symptoms, how to be proactive, and gathering groups together to fund research since 2018 here at Sky Foundation.

Jay, a of pancreatic cancer, delivered an inspiring and educational speech about his experience, providing invaluable support and hope to other patients. His unwavering dedication to this cause, and helping other individuals is truly admirable and impactful.

Thank you for making an impact during our 🌎 Sky Movement!

📸 Flores Photo Design

🌎SKY MOVEMENT 💜 TEAM MICKEY💜

Lori Snider Zieman organizes her Movement to remember her brother, Ken. Ken had a fun and playful soul that absolutely loved Mickey Mouse, hence their group name! Leading her 5th Movement, Lori doubles the number of participants in her group every year at this event and is able to further spread awareness about pancreatic cancer and educate others on the symptoms and how to be proactive.

Lori always thinks of new and exciting ways to recognize our loved ones and highlight their spirit. After a complete tour of Meadow Brook Hall, we did a cheers to our loved ones, AND a bubble ceremony full of fun, laughter, and light.

Thank you for making an impact during our 🌎 Sky Movement!

📸 Flores Photo Design

🌎SKY MOVEMENT 💜 TEAM VERONICA 💜

This group was lead by pancreatic cancer survivor Veronica Williams-Hernalsteen. She has been part of Sky’s Movement since conception and continues to lead her team fearlessly, as she once did with her pancreatic cancer diagnosis.

Veronica now leads our Pancreatic Cancer Community Support Circle (Sky Foundation) and is a support to many diagnosed patients.

Thank you for making an impact during our 🌎 Sky Movement!