Before we can look ahead, it’s important to look back on some of the accomplishments and time together we, as a community, were able to achieve. We have a lot to be proud of!  
 
Funding Medical Advancements 
Every year, we champion early detection research that will improve outcomes in Pancreatic Cancer detection and treatment. We award grants to the top scientific minds from the country’s premier medical and research institutions, like Johns Hopkins, University of Chicago, and Lustgarten Foundation, to name a few.  
   
Rolfe also funds local Chicago-based organizations like Cancer Wellness Center, Wellness House, and Kellogg Cancer Center that provide counseling services, support groups, and education to empower Pancreatic Cancer patients and their families. Our funding—because of partners like you—is making a true impact with the potential to change people’s lives for the better. Thank you! 
 
We’re currently allocating 2023 dollars and look forward to sharing details about the research studies funded. Check out Rolfe’s latest Funding Impact. 
  
Highland Park High School Charity Drive  
We kicked 2023 off by being selected as Highland Park High School (HPHS) Charity Drive recipients. The Rolfe team presented at an HPHS assembly, teaching the next generation about Pancreatic Cancer, its symptoms, and risk factors. We met so many warm and welcoming people during the many events and fundraising activities that took place. Rolfe is grateful to the students and HPHS community for helping to raise $107,000 for Rolfe’s mission. 
 
Rolfe’s Young Professionals Board (YPB) Shines 
The goal of Rolfe’s Young Professionals Board is to raise awareness about the Foundation and Pancreatic Cancer, its symptoms, and risk factors. Throughout 2023, they hosted hundreds of young professionals at in-person and virtual events like March Mania, Yoga in the Park, Trivia Night, Spin Classes, and more. Want to join in? YPB is always looking for new members. Click here to learn more!  
  
DASH for Detection 5K  
As the temperatures went up, the Rolfe Community turned it up higher! Nearly 1,000 of you— individuals, families, and teams—joined us for our 14th annual family-friendly event. The Avengers even showed up to help us celebrate raising close to $227,000! (Shameless plug: Keep your eyes out for DASH for Detection 2024 registration info!) 
  
Harriet’s Helping Hands: Rolfe Foundation’s Patient & Family Support Program 
In August, we announced Harriet’s Helping Hands, Rolfe’s new patient and family support program. This program, underwritten by a generous gift from The Wulfstat Family in honor of Harriet Wulfstat, enables Rolfe to expand upon our “boots on the ground” support services program. Since its launch, we have:  
 
• Hired a Patient Support & Community Partnerships Advocate 
• Supported 48 new families, coming to Rolfe through organic means 
• In continuous contact with 35 additional families each month 
• Implemented a patient support data log through RENXT to document all communication and new resources 
• Developed 11 new partnerships with Pancreatic Cancer organizations 
• Developed patient support marketing collateral to share with local cancer organizations and hospitals 
• Used social media to implement a patient support outreach program 
   
Drive Fore Research Golf Outing 
It might be the middle of winter, but in August we were yelling, “FORE!” on the golf course thanks to our partnership with the Israel Cancer Research Fund. We had 28 teams come out for this shotgun-start/scramble tourney. The competition got intense before anyone set foot on the greens with the event selling out within hours of registration opening! Keep your eyes open for the 2024 Registration information! 
 
Jasper Health Partnership 
In September, we announced our partnership with Jasper Health as an online partner in patient support. Jasper is a digital app (and website) for your cancer care or for that of your loved ones. It’s a one-stop-shop to organize schedules, track medications and symptoms, and access cancer care coaching support. This partnership underscores Rolfe’s dedication to supporting our patients and their families. Click here to learn more and to sign up for free.   
 
Brushes with Cancer 
Art has the power to make an impression on us the same way our families and friends do, so imagine when the two come together to use art to showcase the life and legacy of a loved one. We partnered with Twist Out Cancer for Brushes with Cancer, where 14 artists and Rolfe community members were paired up. Together, the stories shared turned into an immortal showcase of love and lives lived. Each canvas told a story, and in November, we were able to hear some of those tales from the perspective of the family and the artist. 
 
$900,000 Raised and Counting 
These efforts, big and small, led to Rolfe Foundation raising a total of $900,000, with additional end-of-year donations currently being counted! This funds our mission. It connects us with families in need. It greenlights research studies. It raises awareness and educates communities. It, most importantly, enables us to continue our personal approach because Pancreatic Cancer IS personal to us. 

Ken Brown considers himself lucky. When he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer nearly ten years ago, the cancer was in its early stages. Under the specialized care of Dr. Malcolm Bilimoria of Northwest Community Healthcare, Ken underwent a successful Whipple procedure. This major surgery removes the head of the pancreas, the first part of the small intestine, the gallbladder, and the bile duct.  

Each year, Ken celebrates January 8, the anniversary of his life-saving surgery, as the day he saw himself as cancer free.   

“I realize how incredibly fortunate I am to have had an early diagnosis, access to incredible doctors and treatments, support of family and friends, and to still be here today,” shared Ken. 

Since that fateful day in 2014, Ken has lived to demonstrate that life doesn’t end with a cancer diagnosis. He has worked tirelessly to raise awareness about pancreatic cancer and support others walking a similar path. This, and his adventurous spirit, has taken him to incredible places, including climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro along with Dr. Bilimoria. His journey to raise awareness has been widely featured in the press and social media. Ken’s determination is an ongoing reminder that anything is possible and to continue to live his dreams.  

Ken decided to commemorate his 10th anniversary by competing—at age 74—in the Chicago Sprint Triathlon. Combining a half-mile swim, 15-mile bike ride, and 3.1-mile run will be a first for the Chicago-area attorney. 

“I made this decision with only three weeks before race day,” said Ken. “I really can’t run, but that won’t stop me from attempting to compete for as long as I can. I have a close friend who is struggling with her recent diagnosis. I’m also doing this to support her.” 

Ken is leveraging his race participation to spread awareness about the disease. He chose Rolfe Foundation as the beneficiary of his efforts because he likes the organization’s personalized support at a time when patients and families need it most. 

“While there have been significant advancements in treatments over the past ten years, pancreatic cancer remains a deadly disease. I have lost two friends in the past year alone,” said Ken. “That’s why raising awareness and funding early detection research are crucial to improving outcomes.” 

Funds raised during Ken’s triathlon experience will go toward Rolfe’s work to provide much-needed personalized support for patients and their families, and fund early detection research. 

“My objective is to use my triathlon participation to spread awareness about pancreatic cancer,” said Ken. “I don’t have any specific fundraising dollar amount as a goal. On the contrary, in order to spread awareness, I am really just looking for as many people to click on the link and donate whatever amount they can to support Rolfe’s efforts.” 

Ken keeps reminders of how far he’s come close by and for all to see. There are currently nine pancreatic cancer bracelets on his left wrist that he never removes. 

“I add a new bracelet every year on January 8. In a couple of months, I’ll add my tenth. It’s a daily reminder of my good fortune,” added Ken. 

Join Ken in supporting Rolfe Pancreatic Cancer Foundation by making a donation through his page!

 

Support Ken & Celebrate This Milestone