Every year nearly 60,000 American adults will be diagnosed with pancreatic cancer–which represents approximately 3% of all cancers but is among the most aggressive and deadly. Pancreatic cancer is often called a “silent” disease because symptoms do not show until the later stages when it is often too late to battle effectively. Pancreatic tumors are usually too small to cause symptoms, and later symptoms are often non-specific including:
• Loss of appetite, nausea, and vomiting
• Significant weight loss and weakness
• Jaundice and pain in the upper abdomen
Board Member Dr. Sana Karam, Keynote Speaker Jeremy Poincenot, Founder Maureen A. Shul, and Board Member Jim Comerford.
To support education, research, and greater public awareness, Maureen A. Shul established the Wings of Hope for Pancreatic Cancer Research foundation. More than 300 attended the 2019 Wings of Hope for Pancreatic Cancer Research fundraiser held Saturday, Sept. 28 at Glenmoor Country Club in Cherry Hills Village. All proceeds benefit the University of Colorado Cancer Center.
Shul greeted guests as they arrived to the outdoor cocktail reception on a beautiful but somewhat gusty day for the first weekend of autumn in Denver.
This year’s keynote speaker was Jeremy Poincenot, an inspirational speaker and coach who was diagnosed with a rare genetic disorder called Lebers Hereditary Optic Neuropathy (LHON) which left him blind at an early age. The LHON disease affects only 100 people in the country each year with no treatment or cure available.
At first, Poincenot thought losing his sight meant forfeiting his life; however, he soon learned that with every challenge comes an opportunity for growth. By the age of 20, he had already won the World Blind Golf Championship, and, today travels the world, encouraging audiences to see life from a different perspective and to gain the clarity and confidence needed to see challenges as opportunities for success.
Keynote speaker Jeremy Poincenot with Wings of Hope Founder/Director Maureen A. Shul
The Wings of Hope for Pancreatic Cancer Research is a non-profit foundation dedicated to raising awareness and funding for pancreatic cancer research and programs at the University of Colorado Cancer Center. A diagnosis of any cancer can cause an overwhelming, stressful and emotional reaction. Wings of Hope (WOH) provides information and resources to supplement a greater understanding of pancreatic cancer, diagnosis, treatment options, various procedures, statistics, and other information.
The WOH Board consists of several devoted and energetic members including: Jim Comerford, Colin Daugherty, Kathryn Haber, Dr. Sana Karam, Dr. Wells Messersmith, Stacy Ohlsson, and Courtney Walsh.
For more information or to donate please visit the web site at wingsofhopepcr.org or contact Maureen Shul at info@wingsofhopepcr.org
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Keynote Speaker Jeremy Poincenot with Wings of Hope Founder Maureen Shul
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- Tanya Young, Sandy Christensen, Cathy and Jim Noon, Peter Jones
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- Austin Tamayo, Matt Comerford, Nina Preston, Sage Springer
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- The annual event raises funds for the CU Cancer Center
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- A healthy fruit buffet
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- More than 100 attended the fundraiser
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- Janet Comerford, Glenda Trotter, Chris Trotter
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- Some customized sneakers were just one of the creative silent auction items
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- Ann Marie Weyler, Rob Francoeur
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- Perfect buffet for the first week of Fall
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- Guests gathered to support funds to battle pancreatic cancer
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- Mindy Milligan, Kim Harris
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- Marissa Walters, Cecilia Coats
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- Marissa Walters, Libby Pollack, Cecilia Coats
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- Tom and Talia Bickett
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- Volunteer Marty Fox speaks with Susan Squyer of the Douglas County Community Foundation
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- Curtis and Julie Rist; Rick and Judy Kleiner
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- CU Cancer Center Director Dr. Richard Schulick with Artist Arturo Garcia
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- The Trotter Family
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- Janet Comerford (left center) with the Trotter Family
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- Talented violinist Gil Karam, son of Board Member Dr. Sana Karam
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- The Glenmoor Country Club venue provided the perfect spot for the reception
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- Glenmoor Country Club played host for the event
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- Except for some gusty winds the event was lucky with pleasant weather
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- Guests enjoyed the outdoor reception for the first weekend of autumn
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- Great attendance for the Wings of Hope fundraiser
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- Artworks by Arturo Garcia
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- The unique and colorful works by Arturo Garcia were a big hit
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- A wide selection from the cash bar for the reception
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- Glenmoor Country Club hosts many events year-round
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- The Wings of Hope for Pancreatic Cancer Research holds its annual fundraiser every Fall
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- Libby Pollack of Libby Live Auctions provided this year’s auction services
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- If “Life is All About Choices”…then speaker Jeremy Poincenot provides a new perspective
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- Buffet table provided a variety that everyone could enjoy
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- Kelly Connor, Margo Toms
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- Curiosity about certain silent auction items
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- Karen Baldwin, Michelle Bryants, Yvette Dolan
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- Cecile Cohan, Patricia Hartman
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- Despite evening gusts the outdoor reception was popular
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- Taylor Stimpson, Natalie Serkova, Jung-Jae Lee
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- Aimee La Perriere-Hunt, Catherine Reeves
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- Mercedes Rincon, Molly and Steve Mitchell
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- Molly and Steve Mitchell
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- Curtis Rist and Wings of Hope Founder Maureen Shul
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- Laura Adams, Lindsey Zimmerman, Mike Cary, Ann Adams
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- Suzanne Overlee, Scott Lambert, Board Member Kathryn Huber
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- Andi Allott, Mary Wenke
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- Tracy Stegall, Deb Batson
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- Supporters ready to hear keynote speaker Jeremy Poincenot
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- Guests prepare for the keynote speaker
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- Laurie Jokerst waits for the program to begin.
