While many are overwhelmed by a pancreatic cancer diagnosis, one Barrie woman is turning hers into action.

Bernice “Boo” Blanchard, 63, is bringing Kicking PancreAS™—a 5K run/walk in support of Craig’s Cause Pancreatic Cancer Society (CCPCS)—to Barrie for the first time on May 9 at the Barrie Waterfront Heritage Trail.

Blanchard, currently living with stage IV pancreatic cancer, is serving as Race Director while undergoing treatment. With a $10,000 goal, she has already raised more than $8,700 and recruited nearly 60 participants.

“Before I had pancreatic cancer, I didn't even really know what my pancreas did,” she said. 

Her diagnosis came in March 2023 when a family vacation to celebrate her retirement was cut short due to sudden illness of rust-colored vomiting and diarrhea and later jaundice. An ultrasound suggested a problem near her gallbladder, prompting her to return home.

After a tumour was confirmed, she underwent a Whipple procedure in Toronto to remove parts of the pancreas and digestive system. However, during surgery, doctors discovered the cancer had already spread to her stomach lining, making it inoperable. Since then, Blanchard has undergone an aggressive clinical trial and more than 45 rounds of chemotherapy.

Blanchard says she had no previous symptoms other than some pain in her right shoulder. 

Determined to raise awareness, she began through small initiatives and community outreach— raising about $1,200 with homemade “Tissues for Cause” and nearly $22,000 at a 2024 Kicking PancreAS™ event in Burlington.

“That made me feel so proud,” she said. “I wanted to keep doing more.”

Leading Barrie’s first event, Blanchard has secured photographers, contacted volunteers and sponsors, made posters, and mapped the 5K route. A grandmother of two, she credits her oncology team at the Hudson Regional Cancer Centre and remains focused on positivity.

“The last thing I want to do is put negativity on my kids or my family or anybody that loves me. Negativity spreads like cancer so I'd rather spread positivity,” she said.