Wings of Hope for Pancreatic Cancer Research

In the midst of this unprecedented, unpredictable, and at times unbelievable political season comes word of Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee’s passing from pancreatic cancer. The Texas Democrat announced in June she had been diagnosed and was undergoing treatment. The longtime congresswoman served in the House since 1995. She was 74. These are the moments that remind us how urgent the need is to aggressively move pancreatic cancer research forward to find more effective treatments for this dread disease. Our thoughts, prayers, and support to Rep. Lee’s family and friends.
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MISS AMERICA, AIR FORCE ACADEMY GRADUATE, TO SOAR AT THIS YEAR’S EVENING OF HOPE FOR PANCREATC CANCER RESEARCH

Wings of Hope for Pancreatic Cancer Research is welcoming Madison Marsh, Miss America 2024, to its next annual fundraiser. Like Wings of Hope’s founder Maureen Shul, Marsh has helped raise funds for pancreatic cancer research since losing her mother to the disease.

“My mom was a huge runner, even when she was going through chemotherapy treatments,” Marsh said in an Air Force interview. “When we talked about ways to raise money, we wanted it to remember who my mom was and not what cancer had made her. So we started the Whitney Marsh Foundation and specifically hosted a 5K and 10K run every year.”

The 2023 graduate in physics from the U.S. Air Force Academy will be the keynote speaker at Evening of Hope, Sept. 6, in the Exploration of Flight event center at Centennial Airport. Proceeds will support the groundbreaking pancreatic cancer research taking place at the University of Colorado Cancer Center on the Anschutz Medical Campus in Aurora.

This Miss America and 2023 Miss Colorado has a clear answer when asked about changing the world. While still a teenager, after her mother died — at only 41 — from one of the most challenging of cancers, she started the foundation named for her mother to raise funds for research into treatments and cures. The graduate intern at Harvard Medical School is, herself, now studying how artificial intelligence might be used to detect tumors in the difficult-to-reach pancreas.

“Towards the end of my time at [the Air Force Academy], I started to realize that my bigger passions were in policy making and cancer research, so that’s why I ended up at the Kennedy School,” Marsh said.

Marsh’s other accomplishments include being the first active-duty Air Force officer to compete in the Miss America pageant. She is also a certified private pilot with a black belt in tae kwon do.

Colorado’s Madison Marsh, a graduate of the U.S. Air Force Academy, is the first active-duty Air Force officer to compete in the Miss America pageant. The graduate intern at Harvard Medical School is studying how artificial intelligence might be used to detect tumors in the pancreas.
In addition to fundraising for the cause, the Whitney Marsh Foundation presents medical seminars and a national platform for the exchange of research into pancreatic cancer. The foundation has also initiated a pilot program to support financially struggling families who are at risk for pancreatic cancer by providing the essential blood screening that they might not otherwise receive.

Shul, Wings of Hope’s founder who lost her mother and a brother to pancreatic cancer, is thrilled to welcome Marsh to Evening of Hope.

“Madison’s impressive career as a pilot in the U.S. Air Force and a Harvard intern exploring ways AI can be used for early detection of pancreatic cancer makes her message all the more urgent when it comes to understanding and treating this disease,” Shul said. “One of the challenges with pancreatic cancer is alerting the public to early symptoms, and raising awareness is as crucial as raising funding for research in fighting this disease.”

Tickets and sponsorships are available for Evening of Hope. For more information, visit wingsofhopepcr.org

Peter Jones is a writer, journalist and active citizen.

WINGS OF HOPE FOR PANCREATIC CANCER RESEARCH
Read Dr. Marco Del Chiaro’s paper published in JAMA Network describing the latest data on the effectiveness of treating pancreatic cancer with chemotherapy before surgery to remove a tumor.
WINGS OF HOPE is proud to partner with the University of Colorado Cancer Center in the effort to find better treatments and breakthroughs to help those diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. Thank you, Dr. Del Chiaro, for all you are doing to that end.
www.wingsofhopepcr.org

New Global Research Aims to Improve Survival Rates for Pancreatic Cancer Patients New Global Research Aims to Improve Survival Rates for Pancreatic Cancer Patients

JULY 4, 2024
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POTENTIAL mRNA VACCINE FOR PANCREATIC CANCER CONTINUES TO SHOW PROMISE AT MEMORIAL SLOAN KETTERING CANCER CENTER
Everyday exciting breakthroughs are being made in treating pancreatic cancer by researchers worldwide who refuse to give up in finding more effective ways to treat this relentless disease.
WINGS OF HOPE FOR PANCREATIC CANCER RESEARCH gives every dollar raised to the University of Colorado Cancer Center to fund pancreatic cancer research. The seed projects funded have been novel approaches to finding more effective treatments, resulting in larger grants being awarded as well as ongoing clinical trials.
Be a part of the effort that makes a difference, improves the treatments, and finds a cure.
www.wingsofhopepcr.org

Investigational mRNA Vaccine Induced Persistent Immune Response in Phase 1 Trial of Patients With Pancreatic Cancer Learn how MSK researchers are deploying mRNA vaccines against pancreatic cancer.

1944 - 2024
D-DAY 80th ANNIVERSARY
Remembering and honoring the WWII Allied Forces who stormed the beaches in Normandy 80 years ago that brought about the liberation of Nazi-occupied Europe. The debt owed for what those Allied Forces did for the world can never be fully known or paid.
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2024 KINGSBURY OPEN - August 29
Participate in this year’s Kingsbury Open - all proceeds from which go directly to fund pancreatic cancer research at the University of Colorado Cancer Center. Though foursomes are sold out, you can still be a sponsor, make a donation, or purchase a Family Tribute Hole in memory of loved ones lost and to honor those still fighting and surviving. For more information on how to be a part of this premier golf tournament:
kingsburyopen.org
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As we head into this Memorial Day weekend, may we always remember and honor those brave men and women who gave the ultimate sacrifice.
Have a safe and meaningful Memorial Day weekend.
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Sideline Cancer, a team of overseas basketball players and former college standouts, will be playing in this year’s 13th annual TBT (The Basketball Tournament), competing with other teams for the purpose of raising funding for pancreatic cancer research.
WINGS OF HOPE is proud to join the Greg & Cathy Griffith Family Foundation, the National Pancreatic Cancer Foundation, and the John E. Sabga Foundation for Pancreatic Cancer in support of this impactful effort.
Thank you Cathy Griffith, Rhonda Williams, and Natalie Sabga!
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Colorado State Assembly recently honored Cathy Noon’s many accomplishments as community activist and Centennial mayor. As a WINGS OF HOPE board member and tireless advocate in raising awareness and funding for pancreatic cancer research, her tenacious spirit will live on in all we do to fight this horrendous disease.
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Former Mayor Cathy Noon, a Wings of Hope friend, honored by Colorado General Assembly - The Villager Noon died of pancreatic cancer last year after hard-fought five-and-a-half-year battle BY PETER JONES A member of the Wings of Hope family was honored in March when the Colorado General Assembly officially marked the loss of former Centennial Mayor Cathy Noon, who lost her brave fight with pancreati...

Cathy Noon, former Centennial mayor and WINGS OF HOPE board member, is honored for her many accomplishments by the Colorado State Legislature. Public servant, advocate, and friend, Cathy’s legacy will continue to impact many for years to come.
Maureen Shul
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Former Mayor Cathy Noon, cancer survivor, honored by Colorado General Assembly | YourHub Former Mayor Cathy Noon, cancer survivor, honored by Colorado General Assembly Posted by peterjones on April 1, 2024 in Arapahoe County, Aurora, Aurora Business, Castle Rock, Castle Rock Government, Centennial, Centennial Government, Cherry Hills Village, Douglas County, Featured, Greenwood Village....

WINGS OF HOPE is proud to announce our 13th annual Evening of Hope benefit featuring Miss America 2024 Madison Marsh. Besides her accomplishments as U.S. Air Force Academy graduate currently serving as 2nd Lieutenant, pilot, graduate intern at Harvard Medical School, Madison will share her founding the Whitney Marsh Foundation after losing her mother to pancreatic cancer in 2018.
Join us September 6th for this very special event.
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Thank you to the Marcia Courage in Action Denver Chapter for once again providing Courage Bags to those undergoing treatment at the University of Colorado Cancer Center. The Maryland based organization is committed to spreading support, awareness, and community through the Courage Bags they provide to all cancer warriors, which are filled with items to make their treatment sessions a little more comfortable and a lot less daunting.
PHOTO: Susan Rein with the University of Colorado Cancer Center accepts a load of Courage in Action bags from Kathryn Senft.
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WINGS OF HOPE awards $175,000.00 in pancreatic cancer research grants. Thank you for the tremendous and generous support received that makes these annual grants possible.
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Wings of Hope for Pancreatic Cancer Research launches new year with new hope | YourHub Wings of Hope for Pancreatic Cancer Research launches new year with new hope Posted by peterjones on February 7, 2024 in Adams County, Arapahoe County, Aurora, Aurora Business, Castle Pines, Centennial, Centennial Government, Cherry Hills Village, Denver, Douglas County, Greenwood Village, Lone Tree...

CATHY NOON
Our thoughts, hearts, and prayers remain with Cathy Noon’s family, friends, and the many she impacted through her passionate leadership. The WINGS OF HOPE mission of raising awareness and funding for pancreatic cancer research at the University of Colorado Cancer Center continues on more fervent than ever in her memory.
Maureen Shul
www.wingsofhopepcr.org

Honoring Cathy Noon’s legacy in, and beyond, Centennial - Centennial Citizen A ballroom in the Embassy Suites Hotel was not large enough to hold the overflowing crowd that gathered to celebrate the life of Cathy Noon, a former Centennial mayor who died in December after facing pancreatic cancer for more than five years.  Amid tears and hugs, family, friends and leaders refl...

THANK YOU
to the generous WINGS OF HOPE supporters who made this year’s Colorado Gives Day our best ever. Your support in funding pancreatic cancer research at the University of Colorado Cancer Center is making a profound difference.
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TOMORROW IS COLORADO GIVES DAY
Go to ColoradoGives.org and type in Wings of Hope for Pancreatic Cancer Research
Support the effort to fund pancreatic cancer research at the University of Colorado Cancer Center, Anschutz Medical Campus. 100% of your donation goes to local research. Be part of the effort to find early diagnostic methods, more effective treatments, and ultimately a cure. Your support is appreciated and matters. Thank you! 🎗️
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COLORADO GIVES DAY - DECEMBER 5
Colorado Gives Day is an annual opportunity for the good citizens of this state to support Colorado nonprofit organizations. Communities thrive through strong nonprofits, from those involved in education to medical research to the arts and humanities and so on. This year Colorado Gives Day is Tuesday, December 5. To support WINGS OF HOPE and the effort to fund local pancreatic cancer research at the CU Cancer Center, go to ColoradoGives.org, and search for WINGS OF HOPE FOR PANCREATIC CANCER RESEARCH. Your donation goes directly to raise awareness and fund local pancreatic cancer research at the University of Colorado Cancer Center, Anschutz Medical Campus. Thank you for your support!
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‘LIGHT UP HOPE’ A SOLD-OUT SUCCESS
Thank you to all who made our first ‘Light Up Hope’ special event at the Denver Botanic Gardens such an enjoyable success. After gathering for food and drinks and hearing CU Cancer Center physicians update everyone on the impact WINGS OF HOPE is having on pancreatic cancer research, the crowd enjoyed the spectacular Blossoms of Light display throughout the gardens. Beautiful gathering of incredible people, thank you all! For more on this event go to wingsofhopepcr.org/events
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Thank you, Dr. Marco Del Chiaro for all you are doing to provide the most effective treatments possible to patients with pancreatic cancer.
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CU Study Finds Advantage in Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy Even in Resectable Pancreatic Cancer Tumors New research by University of Colorado Cancer Center member Marco Del Chiaro, MD, PhD, finds there may be a benefit to administering chemotherapy prior to surgery.

NOVEMBER - PANCREATIC CANCER AWARENESS MONTH
In 2008 Chris Parrish was diagnosed with stage 4 pancreatic cancer, told to get her affairs in order, and that she had at most 3-6 months left. Enraged at being given such a dark prognosis, Chris became her own best advocate seeking out every type of treatment that fit her way of fighting this. Chris is now a 15 year survivor and thriver of stage 4 pancreatic cancer. Three years after being diagnosed Chris founded the Purple Iris Foundation, providing patient assistance grants to patients and families in Maine going through a cancer diagnosis. Chris’ mission is to give back by making the road a little easier for those on the same journey she was on.
The group of extraordinary women who have taken their experience of being impacted by this disease and starting something that gives back while at the same time giving purpose to all they experienced is extraordinary. It has been a privilege to meet many of them at various conferences and become friends, all finding ways to collaborate with one another.
When you think there is no hope, think of Chris Parrish!
www.wingsofhopepcr.org

NOVEMBER - PANCREATIC CANCER AWARENESS MONTH
When Cathy Griffith lost her husband Greg to pancreatic cancer in 2011, she followed her faith, passion, and hope to lead the newly formed Greg and Cathy Griffith Family Foundation with the sole purpose of finding and funding a cure for pancreatic cancer. The Griffith Family Foundation’s signature initiative is Sideline Cancer, started in 2012 by a motivated group of students to help advance pancreatic cancer research. Cathy lives the motto, ‘Together We Can,’ and all those who know her and call her friend believe ‘together we will.’ Thanks for all you do, Cathy!
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SOLD OUT!
Our ‘Light Up Hope’ special event at the Denver Botanic Gardens is SOLD OUT. Thank you for your overwhelming support of this event to fund pancreatic cancer research at the University of Colorado Cancer Center. Your support is appreciated and making a difference!
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HAPPY THANKSGIVING 2023
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NOVEMBER 16, 2023
WORLD PANCREATIC CANCER AWARENESS DAY
A day to raise global awareness to the efforts being made worldwide to find early diagnostic methods, more effective treatments, and ultimately a cure. Thank you for supporting WINGS OF HOPE, dedicated to raising awareness and funding for pancreatic cancer research.
www.wingsofhopepcr.org

NOVEMBER - PANCREATIC CANCER AWARENESS MONTH
Meeting other founders of nonprofit organizations dedicated to pancreatic cancer has been an enormous privilege and source of support. Rhonda Williams founded the National Pancreatic Cancer Foundation after being caregiver and then losing her mother-in-law to this disease. Her foundation is dedicated to helping fund research as well as supporting patients and their families with emotional and financial support. Rhonda has been a strong supporter of WINGS OF HOPE and good friend from the first conference we attended in Montreal. Thank you, Rhonda, for all you do to help patients and their families, your spirit of collaboration with other organizations, and your friendship.
Maureen Shul
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Newsmakers EXTRA: Here's what you need to know about pancreatic cancer Here's what you need to know about pancreatic cancer.

VETERANS DAY 2023