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.
Theresa Stern Valentic
As an 18-year survivor of pancreatic neuroendocrine cancer, Theresa Stern Valentic brings rare insight developed through time and experience to her role as a host of the Seena Magowitz Foundation’s virtual pancreatic neuroendocrine cancer support group. While she understands the medical struggles that accompany a diagnosis, she’s also well-versed in the emotional repercussions, helping others facing health challenges recognize that knowledge is power and survivorship, possible. While many people with pancreatic cancer don’t know anyone else with the disease, this didn’t hold true for Theresa. Long before her own diagnosis, her mother, Melody, battled – and beat – the same condition, with both Melody and Theresa having successful surgeries at the hands of Stanford’s Dr. Jeffrey Norton, the same surgeon who treated Apple co-founder and CEO Steve Jobs.
For Theresa, her cancer diagnosis was one in a long line of health challenges, many of which stemmed from a genetic mutation known as multiple endocrine neoplasia Type 1, or MEN1. Theresa also has hyperparathyroidism, which increases the chances of kidney stones – but in Theresa’s case, also proved life-saving. Had she not sought treatment for kidney stones, doctors might not have identified her cancer in time. Recognizing the roles that luck and circumstance played in her cancer journey, Theresa now helps others by sharing resources, lending a listening ear and providing a unique perspective from someone who’s been there. An artist and former technology professional, Theresa holds a Master’s degree in psychology and a minor in mind, body and medicine, giving her the tools and empathy she needs to advocate successfully for the pancreatic cancer community.
Mark Ruegg
As one of two hosts of the Seena Magowitz Foundation’s virtual pancreatic neuroendocrine cancer support group, Mark Ruegg makes a point to create a safe and inviting space where participants can exchange resources, discuss shared experiences and develop new reasons to stay positive, motivated and hopeful. As someone with firsthand knowledge of the subject matter after receiving his own rare Stage 4 pancreatic neuroendocrine carcinoma diagnosis in late 2023, Mark understands and identifies with the questions and concerns many people with pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors face and relies on humor, encouragement and warmth to support healing and inspire hope.
Initially told his condition was inoperable and incurable, Mark refused to accept this, instead seeking additional opinions from six different doctors and modifying his lifestyle to make his environment as healthy and supportive as possible. By merging traditional Western medicine with Eastern approaches and practices, Mark created what he called a “healing bubble,” making nutrition, meditation and mindfulness central parts of his day-to-day life. Now cancer-free, Mark lives in the Los Angeles area alongside his beloved wife, Buffy, and works as a “child wrangler” on Hollywood sets, a career he finds both fulfilling and meaningful. He’s also proud to “pay forward” the hope and help others gave to him along the way, drawing from an innate sense of optimism, compassion and understanding to support people facing, managing and rebuilding after pancreatic neuroendocrine cancer.
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 emeritus from Eastern Michigan University where he taught, supervised graduate students, and practiced counseling for over 19 years. He is now happily semi-retired and maintains a part-time private practice in Ypsilanti, Michigan. He has been practicing counseling for over 25+ years providing care for those who cannot afford services. Perry noted recently, “Moderating our groups has been a great joy, especially when I get to witness members care for one another, share valuable information, and bring a sense of calm in another wise overwhelming situation.
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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