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CBS: ‘I feel very fortunate’: Former Brewers medical director advocates for pancreatic cancer research
MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) – The former medical director for the Milwaukee Brewers is raising awareness of pancreatic cancer, and he helped facilitate a historic gathering on the field over the weekend.
Roger Caplinger worked with the Milwaukee Brewers for 33 seasons, first as the head athletic trainer, then as the medical director.
In 2017, his life took a turn when he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.
“Like, wow, this is, this is a shocking diagnosis, but then, how do we understand how to figure this out,” Caplinger remembered.
He went through treatment at the Medical College of Wisconsin, continuing to work for the Brewers through chemotherapy and surgery.
“We set up an office at my home, and working as I could, and my other medical team members did an unbelievable job picking me up for that whole year,” he said.
Caplinger was officially considered cancer-free in November of 2018. That’s when he became an advocate for others.
“I feel very fortunate to have a second chance at life, and it’s time for me and my family to pay it forward to other people and try to make a difference here,” Caplinger explained.
He retired as the medical director in 2022, now spends much of his time with the Seena Magowitz Foundation.