Monica loses both her parents to pancreatic cancer, first her mother and later her father. Her mother wasn't given many options - either chemo or let nature take its course. With the low survival rate the decision made was to let nature take its course. Monica being a researcher googled pancreatic cancer and found a chat group. After reading a few stories posted by family members, Monica felt her mother had been given a death sentence. After losing her mother in 2003 she continued to do research but found nothing was really being done. She joined the PanCAN Albuquerque, New Mexico Affiliate in 2012 after attending her first PurpleLight. Monica always loved to volunteer, pancreatic cancer ended up choosing her mother and that lead her into the direction of volunteering with PanCAN. Monica is the Social Media Chair of the Michigan Affiliate and has also served as the Advocacy Chair. The first thing she tells people she meets who have been diagnosed or their family members is to contact PanCAN. "I'd let them know there is hope not to give up, different things going." Monica feels going to Advocacy Day and sharing your stories with members of congress is very empowering. It's important our representative know "My mother was just not a statistic, she was not a number she was a real person." Monica was completely blindsided when she found out her dad was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer some years later. Her father had seen what his wife and gone through so he was a little more aware and his was found earlier. His symptoms were different, jaundice, itchy skin, he was able to have the whipple but sadly died less than a year later. Monica hasn't really come to terms yet in losing her father, she is still mourning her mother. Losing both parents to pancreatic cancer Monica is more involved and invested in the fight against pancreatic cancer. Quoting one of her favorite researcher, Dr Howard Crawford "It can be bent." Monica's goal is to raise as much awareness, keep her mothers legacy alive, "I don't want her to ever be forgotten and she won't be forgotten through me or the work that I do."
This episode of Living Hope is dedicated to Monica's mother Ranjana Upadhyaya "MAA"
You can reach Monica through the affiliate facebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/2095769850634842
or email mmishra@pancanvolunteer.org
Breaking Barriers: Dr. Diane Simeone's Revolutionary Approach to Pancreatic Cancer
Celebrating Resilience: Charles Czajkowski's Inspiring Journey on OC Talk Radio
Camille's Crusade: A Passionate Advocate in the Fight Against Pancreatic Cancer
National Cancer Survivor Month on OC Talk Radio Honors Rob Panacci
A camp for kids dealing with their parents cancer diagnosis
Empowerment & Hope: Navigating Patient Care with Mary Mickelson, PanCAN Case Manager
What is a High Risk Pancreatic Cancr Clinic?
The Ultimate Walk to End Pancreatic Cancer
Where can you learn about pancreatic cancer, ask questions and connect with Survivors?
A Survivor's Journey Through Time and Resilience
"Strength in Support: Mike Greenstein's Journey as a Caregiver in the Fight Against Pancreatic Cancer"
Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCAN) Turns 25!
Facts vs Feelings
Clinical Trials from a Dr/Reseachers perspective
Sarah Banks personal journey with her mothers fight against pancreatic cancer.
Survivor Jay Sandler
Drs message ”it’s your pancreas don’t eat”
East meets West medicine
Thom Mrozek shares his experience with the Whipple Procedure
Mike shares how he stays positive while fighting the worlds worst cancer.
Create your
podcast in
minutes
It is Free
Social Dallas Podcast
Der Große Neustart
Change Church Podcast
Giving Done Right
Nonprofits Are Messy: Lessons in Leadership | Fundraising | Board Development | Communications