Facing a diagnosis of pancreatic cancer is a shock beyond comprehension. Facing and coping with what to expect both during and after treatments is daunting. Our focus is easing distress of physical and emotional obstacles leading to improved quality of life.
Share inspiration with peers who have walked the same paths.
Help newly diagnosed patients cope with issues that lie ahead.
A community of patients can be an immense support to each other.
Reduce anxieties. Absorb the sense of purpose by helping others.
Family, spouses, and loved ones are the unsung heroes of caregiving, providing essential support to patients and survivors as they navigate both physical and emotional challenges. While their role is invaluable, it can also be overwhelming. Just as they prioritize the well-being of their loved ones, it is equally important for caregivers to care for themselves, seek support, and connect with others who share similar experiences.
Caregiver members can share advice from the community.
Learn the importance of taking care of yourself.
The importance of asking for help from other family members.
To give quality help, do whatever refreshes and renews you.
A Community Of Pancreatic Cancer Patients, Survivors and Caregivers
We run dedicated meetings focusing on wellness, hope, and inspiration. We are committed to helping our members heal and thrive in every respect – from the physical to the emotional and everything in between.
We invite you to join our online community below. Virtual meetings take place on the second, third and fourth Monday of each month, offering tailored support for the newly diagnosed as well as caregivers and our broader community of patients and survivors.
View the Meeting Schedule
Currently, our online sessions are held 5 times per month. On the 1st Tuesday and 2nd Monday, we have our Newly Diagnosed Patients meeting, mainly for those within 18 months of diagnosis. On the 3rd Monday, we have our caregivers-only meeting. On the 3rd Tuesday and 4th Monday, we have our General meeting for all affected by Pancreatic Cancer. On occasions, we will have special topics meetings, bringing in subject matter experts.
Besides our Virtual Online Sessions, we also feature a Facebook Group which permits patients to continue dialog 24/7. Click here to become a member of our Facebook Pancreatic Cancer Group Page
One of The World’s Longest Living Pancreatic Cancer Patients
“I’ve survived a very long time after first being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. It is important that my story is being told because people need to know that a diagnosis of the worst of cancers does not mean an automatic death sentence. Patients are living longer and longer as medical advancements are occurring at a more rapid pace. Sustaining hope and courage is so important.”
Michael Francis
Everyone Must Become Their Own Health Care Advocate
Michael came to the attention of the Magowitz Foundation through the staff members at HonorHealth Research Institute. “This is a really tough thing I’m dealing with, but you’ve got two choices,” Michael said. “You can either crawl up into a ball, go to a corner and die or you can have a good attitude about it and fight.I don’t choose to crawl up into a ball anywhere.”
Patrick Theriault, M.D.
As a seven-year pancreatic cancer survivor, Patrick Theriault knows firsthand just how troubling and anxiety-inducing a serious medical diagnosis can be. That unique position allows him to help others navigate similar health hurdles as the host of the Seena Magowitz Foundation’s virtual “Support for Survivorship” group for newly diagnosed patients. While his own experiences with chemotherapy, radiation and surgery have given him a close and personal understanding of the plight of those facing pancreatic cancer, he’s also a family physician and ER doctor, so he knows how to break down complex medical terminology and address patient concerns with a combination of knowledge, understanding and compassion.
Patrick also serves as living proof that survival is possible, giving support group participants who may find themselves reeling from a recent diagnosis comfort, hope and reassurance that they’re not alone in their struggles. He also understands the role of support groups from the patient perspective, having himself benefited greatly throughout his seven-year journey with pancreatic cancer.
Now, in his role as a support group host, Patrick seeks to create an open, comfortable atmosphere where group members ask questions, share experiences and swap stories about emotional struggles, medication side effects and other sensitive subjects they may not wish to discuss elsewhere. He also welcomes those who may want to act as “passive participants,” encouraging them to listen in or leave their cameras off until they feel comfortable engaging, themselves.
Finally, Patrick hopes each support group participant steps away from each session feeling less alone, more hopeful and better-equipped to communicate with care teams and otherwise navigate their pancreatic cancer experiences with knowledge, strength, understanding and support.
Sean Kellman, 6-Year Caregiver
Sean Kellman, a caregiver for six years, has become an advocate and support figure for individuals and families battling pancreatic cancer. Through his personal journey and experiences, Sean has gained a profound understanding of the emotional and practical challenges caregivers face. His recommendation for his loved one and pancreatic cancer survivor Patrick Theriault to reach out for help underscores his proactive and compassionate approach in seeking the best possible outcomes for those affected by pancreatic cancer.
Pancreatic Cancer SOS Moderators
Perry Francis
Focused On Helping Others To Cope With Facing Pancreatic Cancer
Dr. Perry C. Francis is a professor of counseling and the coordinator of the Counseling Training Clinic in the College of Education Clinical Suite. It operates as a Community Mental Health facility for clients from the community, student body of EMU, and referrals from the county courts and local mental health centers. He also co-directs the COE Clinical Suite in the College of Education where he sees clients as a licensed professional counselor.
Jennifer Sander, LPC, CCTP, CCFP
Offers invaluable support to caregivers navigating the complexities of caring for loved ones with pancreatic cancer.
Jennifer Sander is a distinguished Licensed Professional Counselor, Certified Clinical Trauma Professional, and Certified Compassion Fatigue Professional. Her expertise and compassionate approach have positioned her as a leading figure in supporting and guiding individuals facing life’s challenges, including those affected by cancer. With her deep understanding of trauma and compassion fatigue, Jennifer brings a unique perspective to the Pancreatic Cancer SOS initiative, offering invaluable support to caregivers navigating the complexities of caring for loved ones with pancreatic cancer.
Cynthia Paul, LPC, ACS
As the moderator for two of the Seena Magowitz Foundation’s patient support groups, Cindy Paul, LPC, ACS, brings both professional expertise and personal experience to the position. A licensed counselor with a background in mental health, substance abuse and general counseling, Cindy’s own mother also battled cancer before passing away several years ago, leaving her with considerable empathy and a deep personal understanding of the toll a cancer diagnosis can take on both patients and their loved ones.
Cindy’s first professional role was that of a special education teacher, where she developed an appreciation for helping and supporting others before determining that her true passion lay outside of the school system. She soon returned to a student role, herself, securing a Masters in Counseling before spending several years working for a methadone clinic in New Jersey. Cindy then transitioned to case management work with the National Center for Advocacy and Recovery (NCAAR), has been working as a care coordinator for five years. She was promoted to a supervisory role two years ago. Cindy also launched her own private practice in 2023.
In her role as group moderator for the Seena Magowitz Foundation, Cindy has established several clear goals. For starters, she seeks counter the pervasive, yet increasingly inaccurate, belief that a pancreatic cancer diagnosis is a death sentence. She also wants to encourage hesitant patients to try support groups, noting that they can just log in and listen if they’re feeling uncertain about speaking out or participating, themselves. She also wants to recognize the important role a caregiver plays in a pancreatic cancer journey, acknowledging and countering the “caregiver strain” that can develop when caregivers neglect their own needs to focus solely on those of their loved one.
Finally, Cindy strives to approach her work with warmth, honesty and humor. While she can’t promise support group participants that the road ahead will be a smooth one, she can help encourage people with pancreatic cancer to embrace each new day, helping them face whatever lies ahead with strength, support and even a little bit of laughter.
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