Support My Mom To Beat Pancreatic Cancer

In 2004, my mother, Maureen, faced one of the most challenging battles of her life—breast cancer. Thanks to PET scans and intensely modulated radiotherapy, her treatment was successful, and she has enjoyed nine years of recovery, filled with gratitude for a second chance at life.

In January 2024, however, her journey took another unexpected turn. She began experiencing acute abdominal pain, leading to a diagnosis of H. Pylori at a private hospital. Despite undergoing two treatment cycles, the pain persisted. Trusting her instincts, my mother insisted on an ultrasound in June 2024, which revealed a tumorous growth in her pancreas.

With unwavering determination, Mom traveled back to Medanta Hospital in India, the very place where she had triumphed over breast cancer ten years ago. Unfortunately, the tests confirmed our worst fears—pancreatic cancer. This form of cancer is particularly difficult to treat because the pancreas is deep within the body, surrounded by vital organs. Tumors often go undetected, and once discovered, they are typically entangled in surrounding blood vessels and tissues, making surgical removal extremely challenging.

Despite these hurdles, my mother’s resolve remains unshaken. Her treatment plan includes chemotherapy and Irreversible Electroporation (IRE), with surgery as a potential option. The road ahead is daunting, but she is no stranger to overcoming adversity.

Anyone who knows my mom would describe her as an ambitious and compassionate woman. Her greatest desire has always been to help people and institutions unlock their potential. A health professional, consultant, mentor, chef, outstanding mother, and wife, she has dedicated her life to making a difference. In 2004, driven by the loss of my auntie during childbirth, Mom left her successful career as a Regional Manager at Pfizer to become an independent health management consultant with a singular mission: to improve the health system in Kenya. Between 2004 and 2013, her contributions to the sector were significant and transformative.

The news of her pancreatic cancer diagnosis was a devastating blow. After successfully battling breast cancer and returning to a professional world that seemed to have forgotten her contributions, she had just begun to rebuild her career when this new challenge emerged. Yet, despite the personal and professional setbacks, she remains focused on her long-term goal: to ensure that the level of care she receives at Medanta can one day be available back home in Kenya. Her determination to create a lasting impact on the health system is as strong as ever.

Today, we face a financial challenge as significant as the medical one. The hospital bill currently stands at $50,000 and is expected to rise as treatment continues until December 2024. We are asking for your help to support my mother on this journey. Every donation, no matter the size, will make a difference. Your thoughts and prayers are invaluable to us as well.

With your support, we believe Mom will overcome this challenge, just as she did ten years ago. More importantly, your contribution will help her return to Kenya faster, where she is eager to continue her work in improving the quality of care for all. Her journey is not just about surviving cancer; it’s about building a healthier future for countless others.

As the Japanese proverb says, "A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step." Please take that step with us today.