Stefanie Condon-Oldreive - Volunteer

My dad was diagnosed on July 29th, 2006 with Pancreatic Cancer. On September 29th, 2006 he passed away, after suffering complications from the Whipple Procedure.  Devastated does not begin to describe how our small family felt. What had gone wrong? I was educated about the disease. My father had 2 experienced surgeons. He had the Whipple Procedure at a high volume hospital. He was extremely fit (non smoker, avid cyclist, nutrition conscious etc.) and everyone had high hopes that he would survive this devastating diagnosis.

However, it was not meant to be.

During his hospitalization, we had discussed how to repay the passionate surgical oncologists/researchers who were working tirelessly to save his life. It was decided that we would fund their research. Of course when we thought of this, Dad was to be involved in this plan.  After he died, I promised myself that that plan would move forward. I needed it to move forward.......I needed to move forward and help others. I needed to make sure that this horrible experience, somehow, had a happier ending.

It is now four years later. I have met some incredible individuals, shared personal stories and embarked on adventures that I never thought possible. Perhaps, Dad was a part of the plan after all! :)