Pancreatic Cancer

"God gave us memories that we might have roses in December." ~J.M. Barrie

Today marks the one year anniversary of my mother's passing away from Pancreatic Cancer. It is a day that our family carries in our hearts because Mom gave us so much during her final days. One thing she said that resonates with me to this day is, "Prayer was here for us before we knew what prayer was for."

To me it means that God is looking out for us even if we are unaware of it. I add my mother to that as well. She is looking out for each of us now from a greater place.

Today also marks the end of my one year tribute to her fight against Pancreatic Cancer. I have worn the following band for the full year, never taking it off, serving as a reminder of the strength she had.


I will remove this one and keep it in a special place of memories of my mother. I will obtain a new one and wear it at times and continue my efforts to raise money for Pancreatic Cancer research. All I'm asking for at this point is enough money to help researchers find a method of early detection. There are no methods of detecting this cancer early. This means that by the time it is detected, the chances of survival are greatly diminished.

So in that effort, my wife and I will be running in the PurpleStride Atlanta 2009 5K Run to raise research dollars again this year. This events primary purpose is to raise money for research and to raise awareness of Pancreatic Cancer. Pancreatic cancer is the fourth leading cause of cancer death in the United States—and has the highest mortality rate of all the major cancers.

This year, 42,470 Americans will be diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, and 35,240 will die from the disease. The number of new cases and deaths caused by this deadly disease are increasing not decreasing. By 2030 the number of cases is projected to increase by 55%. The facts are undeniable, we need early detection and a path to a cure.

You can help by supporting our run and donating dollars to TEAM ROSE today. I thank you, my wife Laura thanks you and the Primm family thanks you.

Love you Mom. -Joey

Pancreatic Cancer - Raising Awareness

"You must give some time to your fellow men. Even if it's a little thing, do something for others - something for which you get no pay but the privilege of doing it." - Albert Schweitzer


Today I'm making an appeal for donations to an effort to fight cancer. Many of you only know me through my writings and book. But please know that your personal decision to participate or not is fully respected...so thank you for reading on.

My intent as with anyone else is to go those last steps to not only help my own mother, but to maybe give hope to others. Back in March of 2008 my mother, Rose was diagnosed with Pancreatic Cancer. She was already stage three at that time with not a very good prognosis, so much that we never expected her to make it to Mothers Day in May.

Here we are in September and she is still fighting and surviving. We know the inevitability and most of the fight is to maintain and make life as enjoyable as we can. But all of this would not be possible without research dollars and new treatments that are being developed.

In trying to help raise more research dollars, my wife Laura and I are participating in an event for the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network. This is a 5K Run/Walk type of event and to find out more and to make a donation, you can click on the link below. We are also putting together a team of walkers/runners for those that are local to Atlanta and would like to get out and participate.

If you are not aware, the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network is a non-profit organization working to advance research, support patients and create hope for those affected by pancreatic cancer. The organization funds research grants, provides information and resources to patients and their families at no cost, pushes for increased federal research funding and educates the public about this disease.

Pancreatic cancer is the 4th leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States, yet it receives less funding per patient than other leading cancer killers. Your support helps the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network fulfill its mission and provides hope to the over 37,000 Americans who will be diagnosed with pancreatic cancer this year and nearly 35,000 will also die from pancreatic cancer this year.

Please visit my personal page to learn more. Thank you for your support!

Follow This Link to visit my personal web page and help me in our efforts to support the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network.

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