Denver family joins to help others fight pancreatic cancer

Denver Post
6/13/2011

When her sister-in-law Pam died after a two-year fight against pancreatic cancer in 2003, Nancy Saunders knew she wanted to be a voice for other patients.

She had some high-profile help: Her brother-in-law Steve Saunders was an anchor on Channel 7 then; her father-in-law is Dusty Saunders, the longtime Rocky Mountain News columnist; and her husband is Denver Post sports online editor Patrick Saunders.

The family has raised more than $400,000 for pancreatic cancer research with gala dinners, walks, runs and its annual golf tournament: The eighth annual Pam Saunders Charity Golf Tournament is June 20 at The Ridge at Castle Pines North. The funds raised go to the Cancer Patients Alliance, a nonprofit that promotes pancreatic cancer awareness, education and research.

"Imagine you've got the news today: What do you? You do research, you start Googling, then you're looking for somebody who can translate, who can guide you through this process. That's where the Cancer Patient Alliance comes in," says Nancy Saunders, a massage therapist who has donated services to its clients. "Although you don't want to give people false hope, there is hope out there."

The eighth annual Pam Saunders Charity Golf Tournament, The Ridge at Castle Pines North. June 20, 8 a.m. shotgun start, $200 per player includes golfer gifts, breakfast and lunch, team and individual prizes. Register at saundersevents.com.

Cancer Patients Alliance: pancreatica.org