TAUNTON —More than a year after successfully undergoing cancer surgery, Bennett Elementary School teacher Denise Dukeman has dedicated herself to raising money for research into the disease that nearly cut her life short.
Dukeman, who was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in March 2010, is holding a fundraiser June 18 at the Portuguese American Civic Club to raise money for her team to participate in a pancreatic cancer walk in Boston on Oct. 2.
All money generated by the walk will benefit the Lustgarten Foundation, an organization devoted to researching pancreatic cancer. Research into that illness, she said, lags behind research into other forms of cancer when it comes to funding.
The fourth-grade teacher said being back in the classroom has given her a tremendous lift.
“Work has been truly gratifying, just to know you are part of another family,” Dukeman said.
The children, she added, have been very interested in finding ways to help her raise money for cancer research. Students sold bracelets earlier in the year to raise funds. Another boy, Dukeman said, went from door to door in his neighborhood soliciting more than $100 in donations for the pancreatic cancer walk.
“I think it’s great for kids to know that even as children they can have a part and come up with ways to help,” she said.
The June 18 event at the PACC will feature a number of family- and kid-friendly activities. There will be meat-on-a-stick, music, raffles and games. Dukeman also plans to have children’s meals available, containing hot dogs, chips and juice.
A strong support network, Dukeman said, has been vital during her sickness, surgery and recovery.
“I’m so grateful for the support I have,” she said. “Everyone’s been so supportive.”
When Dukeman began feeling stomach pain last March, she initially thought she had come down with a flu bug that had been going around the school. But since the pain was accompanied by jaundiced skin, her doctor became concerned.
After her doctors conducted a series of tests, Dukeman learned she had a malignant tumor on her pancreas.
Unlike most pancreatic tumors, however, Dukeman’s was operable. Within weeks, she underwent the Whipple procedure, a major seven-hour surgical operation that removed the tumor from her pancreas.
She explained how the experience has altered her outlook and has given her a greater awareness of the little things in life.
“You appreciate things that you just kind of took for granted,” she said.
Contact Gerry Tuoti at gtuoti@tauntongazette.com.
All money generated by the walk will benefit the Lustgarten Foundation, an organization devoted to researching pancreatic cancer. Research into that illness, she said, lags behind research into other forms of cancer when it comes to funding.
The fourth-grade teacher said being back in the classroom has given her a tremendous lift.
“Work has been truly gratifying, just to know you are part of another family,” Dukeman said.
The children, she added, have been very interested in finding ways to help her raise money for cancer research. Students sold bracelets earlier in the year to raise funds. Another boy, Dukeman said, went from door to door in his neighborhood soliciting more than $100 in donations for the pancreatic cancer walk.
“I think it’s great for kids to know that even as children they can have a part and come up with ways to help,” she said.
The June 18 event at the PACC will feature a number of family- and kid-friendly activities. There will be meat-on-a-stick, music, raffles and games. Dukeman also plans to have children’s meals available, containing hot dogs, chips and juice.
A strong support network, Dukeman said, has been vital during her sickness, surgery and recovery.
“I’m so grateful for the support I have,” she said. “Everyone’s been so supportive.”
When Dukeman began feeling stomach pain last March, she initially thought she had come down with a flu bug that had been going around the school. But since the pain was accompanied by jaundiced skin, her doctor became concerned.
After her doctors conducted a series of tests, Dukeman learned she had a malignant tumor on her pancreas.
Unlike most pancreatic tumors, however, Dukeman’s was operable. Within weeks, she underwent the Whipple procedure, a major seven-hour surgical operation that removed the tumor from her pancreas.
She explained how the experience has altered her outlook and has given her a greater awareness of the little things in life.
“You appreciate things that you just kind of took for granted,” she said.
Contact Gerry Tuoti at gtuoti@tauntongazette.com.
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