Happy New Year.

May the year ahead be filled 

with happiness and joy!

Meaningful Mondays

A purple holiday.

Remembering those not with us 

this holiday season.  

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas from the Lustgarten's Pancreatic Cancer Walk Committee in Denver.

May you holidays be joyful and bright.

Thinking of all those we've lost to Pancreatic Cancer.

Meaningful Mondays

Looking for support?

Did you know that there are hundreds of MEET UP groups in Denver, Boulder and Colorado Springs providing support and community as you fight your battle with cancer?  Check these out today ...

http://cancer.meetup.com/cities/us/co/denver/

Pancreatic Cancer News Alert

ISPA Staff Join Industry to Raise Funds for Pancreatic Cancer ... BedTimes Magazine Magowitz2 ISPA President Ryan Trainer and BedTimes Editor in Chief Jane Kitchen joined nearly 400 bedding industry participants at the 11th annual Seena ... See all stories on this topic »	BedTimes Magazine
Ray Price back in hospital with cancer complications Hollywood.com Country star Ray Price's family is preparing for a bleak Christmas as the singer/songwriter battles the final stages of pancreatic cancer in a Texas hospital. See all stories on this topic »
Corrie actress backs cancer fight Yahoo TV UK She said: "It's been really exciting to be shown what's happening at the cutting edge of research into pancreatic cancer and fantastic to see that this research is ... See all stories on this topic »	Yahoo TV UK
Top Liver Cancer Surgeon in NYC Announces Internet & Phone ... SBWire (press release) The NYC liver cancer surgeon & pancreatic cancer surgeon is a top rated specialist and has performed over 3500 cancer surgeries. He is now offering Internet ... See all stories on this topic »
Inspiring teacher passes away USA TODAY A teacher in Troy Missouri who inspired #TheMixMovement from battling with pancreatic cancer for a year has passed away. Loading… Post to Facebook. See all stories on this topic »
Ohr presents PhaseII Data on OHR/AVR118 in AdvancedCancer ... RTT News 18 patients, 3 with stage III and 15 with stage IV cancers completed the treatment protocol. This included 5 patients with pancreatic cancer, 5 with lung cancer, ... See all stories on this topic »

Blogs

3 new results for pancreatic cancer

Ray Price Back in the Hospital; Fighting Pancreatic Cancer | GAC ... Wendy Spicher The latest headlines from the world of country music! GAC News & Notes
Approval of Abraxane for Late-Stage Pancreatic Cancer | AAPS Blog AAPS Blog Abimbola Farinde, Pharm.D., is a clinical pharmacist specialist with specializations in psychopharmacology and geriatrics. The Food and Drug Administration's ... AAPS Blog
Ray Price Re-Enters Hospital With Complications From Cancer Billy Dukes Ray Price's battle with pancreatic cancer has sent the singer back into the hospital once again. 95.7 KEZJ - Southern Idaho's New Country

Information on pancreatic cancer

November Recognized As National Pancreatic Cancer Awareness ... Leominster Champion The Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, the national organization creating hope in a comprehensive way through research, patient support, community outreach ... See all stories on this topic »
Nuvilex's Preparations for Planned Late-Phase Clinical Trials Timely ... MarketWatch The pancreatic cancer treatment under development by Nuvilex represents a ... to develop new treatments for pancreatic cancer since gemcitabine (Gemzar) ... See all stories on this topic »
Nipmuc students host fundraiser to fight pancreatic cancer Milford Daily News Nipmuc Regional High School will play host on Friday to a volleyball tournament/lock-in event that seeks to raise funds to fight pancreatic cancer. See all stories on this topic »
Research and Markets: Metastatic Pancreatic Cancer Global Clinical ... Fort Mills Times Research and Markets: Metastatic Pancreatic Cancer Global Clinical Trials Review, H2, 2013 Features Players such as Novartis AG and AstraZeneca PLC. See all stories on this topic »
Parker Properties in push to hit £1000 for pancreatic cancer research Cambridge News Staff at St Ives firm Parker Properties were so overwhelmed by the response to a charity day for pancreatic cancer research that they want to take the total to ... See all stories on this topic »	Cambridge News
Lancashire MP pledges support for more resources to tackle cancer Lancashire Evening Post Lindsay Hoyle, MP for Chorley, attended the launch of the report at a reception held by the All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Pancreatic Cancer. See all stories on this topic »	Lancashire Evening Post
Country music legend Ray Price leaving hospital for Mount Pleasant ... KLTV Price was diagnosed in 2011 with pancreatic cancer, and despite aggressive treatment, the cancer has recently spread to his liver, intestines and now his lungs. See all stories on this topic »
Audnam musician hopes to storm the charts with his charity ... Stourbridge News He hopes to enter the charts with his festive pop song, From Winter to Winter, and has vowed to give all profits to Pancreatic Cancer if he gets 1,000 likes on the ... See all stories on this topic »	Stourbridge News

Blogs

1 new result for pancreatic cancer

Sideline Cancer with Santa on the Diamond | Fighting Pancreatic ... Griffith Foundation Looking for a place to see Santa Clause in the Hollidaysburg / Altoona area? Join us for Sideline Cancer with Santa. Fighting Pancreatic Cancer - Griffith Family Foundation

The latest news.

A simple test may catch early pancreatic cancer The Almagest “We have mammograms to screen for breast cancer and colonoscopies for colon cancer but we have had nothing to help us screen for pancreatic cancer,” says ... See all stories on this topic »
Byetta Lawsuit News: Bernstein Liebhard LLP Notes Approval of ... NEWS.GNOM.ES “Our Firm has heard from numerous individuals concerned about the association between Byetta and pancreatic cancer. The adoption of the Master and Short ... See all stories on this topic »
Metastatic Pancreatic Cancer Global Clinical Trials Review, H2, 2013 PR Carbon (press release) FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, Illinois – United States – December 13, 2013 (PR Carbon):Reportstack has announced a new market report on Metastatic ... See all stories on this topic »
Dr. Oz Show Today December 13: Hidden Warning Signs For Cancer CMR Dr. Oz has spent a lot of time talking about cancer in the past and today he is going over the hidden warning signs of pancreatic and ovarian cancer that may ... See all stories on this topic »	CMR
Country star Ray Price leaves hospital to spend 'final days' at home ... Winnipeg Free Press TYLER, Texas - Entering what his wife calls his "final days," country music star Ray Price is ending all aggressive treatment for his pancreatic cancer and left an ... See all stories on this topic »	Winnipeg Free Press
Recent Studies Have Discovered Biomarker Suitability in Pancreatic ... Health and Beauty News (blog) This study which was published in PLOS ONE also reported that use of a biotherapy that contains Lysosome and phopholipid can also kill pancreatic cancer ... See all stories on this topic »	Health and Beauty News (blog)
Byetta Lawsuit News: Bernstein Liebhard LLP Notes Approval of ... PR Newswire (press release) "Our Firm has heard from numerous individuals concerned about the association between Byetta and pancreatic cancer. The adoption of the Master and Short ... See all stories on this topic »
Leading NASA climate scientist dies at 66 Press Herald The cause was pancreatic cancer, said his wife, Sandra Hou. Since 2005, Hou had led a scientific team of more than 80 investigators from 14 countries working ... See all stories on this topic »	Washington Post
A Grandmother's Legacy The Ledger Claretha Randall, 80, died of pancreatic cancer in early November. For years, she had talked with Allen about his life choices, which included drug abuse. See all stories on this topic »
John 'Jack' R. Wittwer, 80 Marion Today.org John "Jack" R. Wittwer, of Marion, Iowa passed away peacefully on December 6, 2013, from pancreatic cancer at the Oldorf Hospice House of Mercy in Hiawatha ... See all stories on this topic »

In the news

Battling cancer, farmer plans retirement Scranton Times-Tribune PLAINS TWP. - As he continues to battle pancreatic cancer, longtime farmer Marty O'Malia said he is forced to retire. Marty O'Malia's Farms and Greenhouses on ... See all stories on this topic »	Scranton Times-Tribune
Dr. Oz says bacon and cured deli meats increase pancreatic cancer ... Examiner.com Dr. Oz said small dietary changes can dramatically reduce your risks of getting pancreatic and ovarian cancers — the two most feared cancers. On the Dec. See all stories on this topic »	Examiner.com
Funds raised to help BHSU employee diagnosed with cancer Black Hills Pioneer Lynn Fox, senior building maintenance worker at Black Hills State University, is undergoing chemotherapy for pancreatic cancer. The University staff donated ... See all stories on this topic »
Former Phoenix Police Lt. Sparks dies of cancer KPHO Phoenix He was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer several months ago. Phoenix police were joined by members of the Department of Public Safety, the Arizona ... See all stories on this topic »
Hometown Rundown: JHS Student's Eagle Scout Award; Jakubow ... Williamsburg Yorktown Daily An artist participated in a fundraiser to research pancreatic cancer, and a cowboy-themed event wrangled up $27,000 to support a therapeutic riding center. See all stories on this topic »
Lauren Rosas To Perform With the New York Philharmonic TheAlternativePress.com November is Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month Dear Editor, November is ... We are fighting alongside the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network whose mission ... See all stories on this topic »	TheAlternativePress.com
Charles Vest, WVU board of governors member, succumbs to cancer West Virginia MetroNews BOSTON — Morgantown native and former Massachusetts Institute of Technology president Charles Vest died Thursday night of pancreatic cancer, according to ... See all stories on this topic »	West Virginia MetroNews
Country legend Ray Price returns home, in final stages of battle with ... Starcasm.net Legendary country singer Ray Price, who is in the final stages of his battle with pancreatic cancer, has returned to his home in Mount Pleasant, Texas to be with ... See all stories on this topic »	Starcasm.net
William R. Sharpe Jr. Hospital Patients Display Artwork WBOY-TV Former MIT President, Dr. Charles Vest died Dec. 13 at age 72 from pancreatic cancer. Vest was a WVU alumnus and a member of the Board of Governors and ... See all stories on this topic »
KHAZ Country Music News: Ray Price to Spend Final Days at Home hays Post AP–Entering what his wife calls his “final days,” country music star Ray Price is ending all aggressive treatment for his pancreatic cancer and left an East Texas ... See all stories on this topic »

Meaningful Mondays

Challenge Grant

Challenge Grant

Let’s Keep Going! The Jeffrey Rosenzweig Foundation generously donated $100,000 to pancreatic cancer research if we could raise $100,000 to match this donation. We are excited to let you know that we have reached our goal – $200,000 for pancreatic cancer research - and The Rosenzweig Foundation has generously agreed to match another $10,000!!!!   Don't miss this last opportunity to have your donation doubled! This means that a $100 donation becomes $200 toward pancreatic cancer research - bringing us closer to the cure.. Please help spread the word. Cancer treatment advances are the result of scientific research. But research follows dollars, and in spite of being the nation's fourth leading cancer killer, pancreatic cancer receives only 2% of federal research funding. More money is needed to help researchers identify better treatments and a cure for this disease. And because of Cablevision's support, 100% of your donation will go toward research and every dollar you donate will be matched by the Jeffrey Rosenzweig Foundation. Donate towards The Challenge Grant and have your donation matched! Thank you for your support.

Pancreatic cancer in the news.

Dr. Oz: Cut out bacon and dairy to slash pancreatic and ovarian ... Examiner.com As researchers progress in their knowledge of what causes different types of cancers, they're discovering the impact of diet. And the good news: Small dietary ... See all stories on this topic »
Former MIT president Vest dies of cancer at 72 TriValley Central He died of pancreatic cancer at his home in Washington, D.C., on Thursday night, MIT announced Friday. Vest led MIT from 1990 to 2004. During his tenure, MIT ... See all stories on this topic »

Meaningful Mondays

Meaningful Mondays

Preventing Pancreatic Cancer

Cherishing those that mean the most this Thanksgiving.

Why we walk in Denver ...

Thanksgiving will never be the same for Jim and his family.  It was his mom's favorite holiday and a day where everyone was welcome in their home.  It was also the day they said good-bye.

I walk because ...  

Colgate University student Brandon Fiegoli studying proteins and potential role in causing cancer

Colgate students are sharing their experiences conducting research with faculty members on campus and in the field. This post is by molecular biology major Brandon Fiegoli, of Bedford, NY.

Every day, you hear about an infamous disease called cancer. You are constantly reading about celebrities with breast cancer, kidney cancer, and many more. You may even have friends or family members fighting the disease. But what do you really know about cancer? Where does it come from?  Why does it occur and how does it harm us?

This semester, my research is under the direction of Professor Engda Hagos, and is aiming to answer some of these challenging questions. My project is focusing on what causes cancer to manifest itself in a person’s body. Rather than developing the disease in a day, cancer is the result of several cellular processes that fail, causing the errors to build up.

The reason that regulation mechanisms fail to catch mutant cellular division can be due to a number of variables and why these errors occur is not yet fully understood.

In short, cancer is the uncontrolled replication of unhealthy cells that proliferate at a rate faster than the body can destroy them. This growth is regulated and monitored by the cell cycle. A cell’s growth pathway has many points where it can be checked for normal functioning, but it also has gaps in unregulated development where these checkpoint mechanisms can malfunction.

I am working with the protein Kruppel-like factor 4 (KLF4). The protein has been found to directly regulate the cell cycle from going between the G1 phase, a segment when a cell’s internal structures are growing, and S phase, when a cell’s DNA is duplicated. Previous research and scholarship have found that when the protein KLF4 is not present, this checkpoint malfunctions and uncontrolled cellular division occurs.

However, there is more than one pathway that prevents mutant cells from duplicating and becoming malignant. Preliminary findings have shown that KLF4 may potentially have a connection to another protein called mTOR. In separate research, it has been determined that mTOR is known to amplify the growth of tumors, giving mTOR the moniker “Tumor Enhancer.”

My research aims to find a connection between KLF4 and mTOR. Through my initial findings, I have found that cells lacking the KLF4 protein have increased levels of mTOR and, therefore, have an enhanced rate of tumor formation. This semester I will continue to explore the relationship between these proteins.

Cancer will not be beaten by me or my lab alone, but it is research like this that is making strides to understand and beat this terrible disease.

—Brandon Fiegoli ‘14

Click here to learn more about Brandon and his work.

Fighting the Fight!

Meaningful Mondays

Meaningful Mondays

Denver Woman Battle Pancreatic Cancer

DENVER - November is Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month, a chance to remind people about one of the deadliest forms of cancer.

Pancreatic cancer is the tenth most commonly diagnosed form of cancer for men and the ninth most commonly diagnosed form of cancer for women. But, for both groups, it is the fourth leading cause of cancer death.

The reason pancreatic cancer is so deadly is it's hard to catch early. In fact, the survival rate for patients after five years is only six percent.

"Pancreas cancer is usually detected at a late stage in most patients," explained Dr. Colin Weekes, the Director of the Medical Oncology Pancreas Program at University of Colorado Hospital. "That really is a function of where the pancreas lies in the body. So, unfortunately patients can develop tumors without developing any symptoms. And that allows the tumor to grow for some period of time before you actually get clinically pancreatic cancer-type symptoms."

Those symptoms first showed up for Jennifer Nuanes as abdominal pain. The pain was so intense, Nuanes' doctor sent her straight to the hospital. Within days, the former parole officer was diagnosed with stage one pancreatic cancer.

Surgeons removed Nuanes' spleen and most of her pancreas in Sept. 2012. At the time, they were optimistic they could cure her. But 10 months later, the pain returned, and so had Nuane's cancer. This time it was stage four.

"When we got stage four, it was devastating again. We didn't think it would ever come back and that's when we really leaned on our support," Nuanes said.

For Nuanes, the team leader of that support system is her partner, Celina.

"It's absolutely amazing," Nuanes said. "She became a doctor, a nutritionist, a nurse, you name it. She's researching absolutely everything so that we can continue to battle this."

Dr. Weekes says it's important for patients to maintain that same attitude and not to give up.

"There's a fair number of patients out there who have curable pancreas cancer but are told that they have a really bad disease and just sort of forget about therapy," Weekes said.

At University of Colorado's clinic, that therapy includes a multi-disciplinary clinic. The patients are evaluated by a team of doctors, who decide on the best plan for treatment. Dr. Weekes says his clinic has seen about 200 patients over the last year, and after reviewing those patients, they changed the treatment plan for about one-third of them.

Treatment for Nuanes includes chemotherapy right now. But, she says doctors have given her six to twelve months. And while it's difficult, she says she's still not defeated.

"You have to just endure the pain. I don't want to paint the picture that things are easy because they're really not," Nuanes said. "There's days when you can't get out of bed. There's days you can't eat. But, the support and the love around you is really what gets you through it."


Learn more at: http://www.9news.com/news/local/article/364961/222/Denver-woman-battles-pancreatic-cancer-

Pancreatic Cancer in the News

Remembering Sarah Henry's short fight with pancreatic cancer KPLC-TV Pancreatic cancer has the highest mortality rate of all cancers, leaving those diagnosed with little hope of a bright future. The disease took the life of 34-year-old ... See all stories on this topic »
Photos: PurpleStride in Parsippany strives to stop pancreatic cancer NorthJersey.com Parsippany turned purple on Sunday, Nov. 10, a windy but sunny day when more than 2,000 people turned up at the Mack-Cali Corporate Complex for ... See all stories on this topic »	NorthJersey.com
Nut consumption linked to lower pancreatic cancer risk in women NutraIngredients.com Frequent consumption of nuts may be associated with a lower risk of developing pancreatic cancer in woman, according to new findings. See all stories on this topic »	NutraIngredients.com
This November Dr. Michael Colleran Promotes the Connection ... DigitalJournal.com November is Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month and San Luis Obispo dentist Dr. Michael Colleran and his staff are promoting an increased awareness ... See all stories on this topic »	EllwoodCity.org
Vatican Honors Md. Teen For Breakthrough Pancreatic Cancer ... CBS Local Andraka developed a simple test that detects early stage pancreatic cancer in mice. ... working with two bio-tech firms to develop his test for pancreatic cancer. See all stories on this topic »
Cavalier 5K run/walk Saturday to benefit woman with pancreatic ... Salisbury Post Now, she is battling pancreatic cancer and her medical bills are mounting. The event Saturday, Nov. 23, is the brainchild of Debbie Sousa, health science ... See all stories on this topic »
East Lancashire GP Michael Barsby loses battle with pancreatic ... Lancashire Telegraph He and his wife Susan had recently taken part in a charity calendar with members of Crossfit Clitheroe to raise money for Pancreatic Cancer UK. See all stories on this topic »	Lancashire Telegraph
Local family forever changed by pancreatic cancer Port Lavaca Wave Pancreatic cancer is a disease Calhoun High School teacher Megan Strauss, 39, of Port Lavaca, knows well. Strauss lost her father, Dan Yanta, to pancreatic ... See all stories on this topic »
Nuvilex's Acquisition of Diabetes Rights Should Put the Company on ... Wall Street Journal While the company's future Phase 3 clinical trials in pancreatic cancer should bring lots of attention to Nuvilex, particularly if they produce a treatment that beats ... See all stories on this topic »
PSC chairman Gallagher: cancer battle is "fight of my life" KXLH Helena News HELENA - It's been nearly five months since Montana Public Service Commission chairman Bill Gallagher, 54, was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. Gallagher ... See all stories on this topic »

Blogs

3 new results for pancreatic cancer

Naughty Dog replica craftsman crowdfunds support in fight against ... S. Prell David Vigil is a leathersmith and owner of That Vigilante, where he sells replicas of gear seen in Naughty Dog games. Nathan Drake's belt buckle, holster and ... Joystiq
Pancreatic Cancer Awareness proclamation | Ellwood City News EllwoodCity.org Staff On Wednesday, November 06, 2013 Mayor Anthony J. Court was honored to proclaim November 2013 as “Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month” in the Borough ... Ellwood City News
Tree nut consumption lowers pancreatic cancer risk - Research ... Carolanne Wright If you need another excuse to enjoy a handful of your favorite tree nut, new research suggests consumption of nuts can slash the risk of developing pancreatic ... ThriveLiving