Stories

A devoted caregiver becomes an ardent supporter

On September 26, 2007, Pancreatic Cancer Action Network supporter Joan Burge learned that David, her spouse of more than three decades, had been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. Immediately, she felt she had been dropped deep inside of a dark hole.

During David’s treatment, his medical team referred her to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, which provided useful resources for her to learn about the new world in which the couple found themselves. Soon, rays of light appeared.

“From my first phone call, I felt someone really cared and that there were people who could give me answers or at least lead me to resources to help me understand,” Joan said. “We live in Las Vegas, so it was comforting to know that all I needed to do was pick up the telephone to get the support that my husband and I needed.”

Now, the picture is even brighter. “Dave's recent PET scan showed all major organs as being normal and nothing unusual in his pancreas,” she said. “I used to hear people say that they learned and grew through experiences like this and I thought, ‘How can you say you are a better person or have grown through this journey? It's horrible!’ Now, I realize this is true. It just takes time and having hope.”

As Joan began to learn more about the comprehensive mission of the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, she knew she wanted to become involved and give back. “I was able to grow from being desperate for help to someone who wanted to help others in pain and need,” she added.

Today, in addition to volunteering with the Survivor and Caregiver Network, she supports the organization through her company, Office Dynamics, where she serves as founder and CEO.

“Through my business, I advance the administrative profession through training, consulting, and authoring books,” she said. “During Dave's intense battle with cancer, I wrote a book for executive and administrative assistants called Underneath It All. After completing it, I immediately knew that I wanted to donate some of the proceeds from its sales to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network.”

“The road never really ends when one has been diagnosed with cancer — even after successful treatments or surgeries,” she added. “While no one would ‘choose’ cancer in their life, we can choose how we want to live the days we have and how we approach the journey. The Pancreatic Cancer Action Network makes traveling the road much easier and brighter.”

Note: Office Dynamics will donate an additional 15 percent (on top of the standard 10 percent donation) on behalf of Outreach readers who purchase Underneath It All. To buy the book, go to www.OfficeDynamics.com and enter the coupon code PanCAN to activate the 25 percent book sale donation.