Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCAN) (Pancreatic Cancer)

Julie Fleshman. Julie Fleshman serves as the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network’s President and CEO. In 1999, Julie lost her father to pancreatic cancer and is committed to change the course of this disease. She became the organization’s first full-time staff person and Executive Director in April 2000. In July 2004, the Board of Directors appointed Julie as President and CEO of the… See full bio.

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Story: n 1994, sixteen years ago, I was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. That November, I had an eight and a half-hour surgery. My surgeon was so elated that he pushed me into ICU himself, talking to me all the way as I tried to awaken. I shall never forget the words: “Hurry and wake up, there has been a miracle!” For the next month, I recall the many professionals, my dear family, my support groups back home praying – and their emotional outbursts when I finally returned to the schools I had developed over the last 40 years. I learned the fullness of love that so many people are capable of. But most of all, I learned about myself and a spiritual life that I only thought I had before. I have a desire that I developed while in the hospital: to be an advocate; to inspire a survivor's attitude in any and all patients who are awaiting surgery, or are healing. I had to work for a while, and still feel so very grateful that I have this compassion. Perhaps it is likened to some post-traumatic feelings, because not every patient is to survive this sneaky killer – this quiet and silent disease. While in the hospital that month, I learned that survivors of colon and breast cancer are given permission to be advocates to patients, so I requested if I could also speak to a survivor with a similar diagnosis. I realize that the doctors could not tell me they had no survivors or advocates for my particular cancer. It would be quite depressing to be told how few survive. I want to share this hope with anyone. I am in my 16th year of my new life; of my very active, very fun, very blessed-life. I have not only remained the grandmother of three boys who are now 19, 11, and 24 year-olds, but have the joy of two more little ones, now eight and five years old. My cup runneth over!

Evidence of Impact Summary:

The Pancreatic Cancer Action Network has been very effective in raising awareness about pancreatic cancer and has had a strong history of good research funding, advocacy, and education.
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Organization Strengths Summary:

Experts have stated that this organization has been effective because of its strong leadership and its effective marketing and advocacy campaigns.
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Areas for Improvement Summary:

According to experts, this organization could improve by altering its focus, working on a stronger national image, and diverting more time to fundraising.
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Julie Fleshman serves as the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network’s President and CEO. In 1999, Julie lost her father to pancreatic cancer and is committed to change the course of this disease. She became the organization’s first full-time staff person and Executive Director in April 2000. In July 2004, the Board of Directors appointed Julie as President and CEO of the organization. The Pancreatic Cancer Action Network has grown to a staff of over 70, with offices in Los Angeles, CA and Washington, D.C and is providing programs to people across the country. Under Julie’s leadership, the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network has laid the groundwork to make true inroads on this disease. The organization’s advocacy and grassroots efforts have led to a 400% increase in federal funding for pancreatic cancer research and the organization has funded 66 research grants across the country. Over 50,000 patients and families have been served through the Patient and Liaison Services program. Its grassroots network has grown to 75 volunteer affiliates, and in 2006, its first international affiliate in Japan opened. Julie graduated from Santa Clara University School of Law and Leavey School of Business in December 2000 with a JD/MBA degree. Julie graduated Magna Cum Laude from the University of California at Santa Barbara in 1997 with a B.A. in Law & Society and was awarded most outstanding graduating senior in the Law & Society program. She also studied abroad at Oxford University and in Tokyo, Japan.

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