In 2006, Laurie MacCaskill’s life changed forever. At 55 and in perfect health, she received a diagnosis that would challenge everything she knew: pancreatic cancer. A disease that has now surpassed breast cancer as the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States.

But Laurie’s story is not one of defeat. It’s a story of hope, resilience, and the power of advocacy.

Against all odds, Laurie fought. Through grueling chemotherapy, multiple surgeries, and countless complications, she was told she had just three to six months to live. Her response? “I just didn’t feel that this was an option.”

Today, Laurie is not just a survivor—she’s a beacon of hope for thousands. Her journey transformed her life’s purpose, leading her to become a passionate advocate for pancreatic cancer research and early detection.

Her Personal Philosophy: Living with Purpose

Laurie’s approach to her cancer journey is a masterclass in resilience and hope. “I knew I couldn’t control the cancer,” she explains, “but I can control how I feel, my approach, my attitude, how I retain information.” This philosophy became her lifeline, transforming a devastating diagnosis into a journey of personal empowerment.

Even during the most challenging moments of treatment, Laurie refused to surrender her identity. “I hated my new normal,” she admits. “I missed me as I was.” Yet, she found strength in small victories. Despite battling neuropathy, nausea, and exhaustion, she would still attempt to ride her bike in the mountains, sometimes managing just a 20-minute ride instead of her previous hours-long journeys. 

She practiced what she calls a “healthy denial,” choosing to be informed but not overwhelmed. “I didn’t ask how long I had or what the full treatment entails,” she recalls. “I planned for the hour, for the day.” This approach allowed her to stay present, avoiding the paralyzing fear of potential outcomes.

Most crucially, Laurie became her own strongest advocate. “I attribute a lot of my success to using my voice,” she says. “I was my own advocate, asking for scans, checking, and not taking no for an answer.” This proactive approach became a cornerstone of her survival and her mission to help others.

The Critical Need: Early Detection & Research 

“We’ve been successful in achieving survival rates for prostate, breast, and colon cancers because of early detection,” Laurie emphasizes. “That’s exactly what we need now for pancreatic cancer.” 

Laurie’s message is clear: “We’ve got roadblocks and barriers that need to be broken down.” This World Pancreatic Cancer Day, we invite you to be part of the solution. Whether through donation, spreading awareness, or supporting research, every action counts. 

In the face of pancreatic cancer’s profound challenge, we stand united. This relentless disease touches countless lives, but our collective strength offers hope. The Whitney Marsh Foundation believes in the power of community—a community that rallies around those diagnosed, supports ongoing research, and fights for a future where no one faces this battle alone.

Your support is transformative. Every donation, every shared story, every moment of compassion creates a lifeline for those currently fighting, honors those we’ve lost, and brings us closer to breakthrough treatments for those who have yet to be diagnosed. Together, we can turn the tide against pancreatic cancer, offering not just medical hope, but human connection, dignity, and unwavering support. 

“Be kind, be grateful,” Laurie says, “and live each day as if it’s a beautiful gift.”

Together, we can change the narrative of pancreatic cancer—one story, one breakthrough at a time.