Waging War on Pancreatic Cancer: Yvette's story

Thank you for the overflow of love and support for Yvette Young Decosta and her family.  Our hearts are heavy with sadness because Yvette took her last breath on Sunday morning, April 28th, 2019. But, we are relieved that she received her wings and is now in heaven with the Lord.  Her family still needs your support.  

Yvette was just 49 years old when she was diagnosed with stage 4 pancreatic cancer. On March 19, 2018, Yvette went to the emergency room because her eyes were yellow. She had jaundice.  Neither she nor anyone else imagined that she would be told that she had pancreatic and that it had spread to her liver. Surgery to remove the tumor was not an option.   Yvette’s diagnosis was surreal.  She had no family history of pancreatic cancer, did not smoke or drink, and was a relatively healthy diva.  Although African Americans are more likely to be diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, only 3% of all cancers diagnosed are pancreatic. The average age of diagnosis is 70. Yvette was aware that it was difficult to survive pancreatic cancer.  But, Yvette lived the last year of life with a courageous heart and soul.  

The spirit of the angels stayed with her throughout her cancer journey. As a single mom, Yvette continued to raise her three children aged 20, 15, and 13. Every morning Yvette got up to "see" her teens off to school and gave them instructions from her bed.  She continued to "mother' her oldest son and provided guidance to help him become a wonderful young man. 

Some of you may remember Yvette as the beautiful active woman who used print and radio media as a powerful tool to increase awareness about many social issues.  Yvette graduated from UVA, CLAS ’90. She was active in the Black Student Alliance at UVA and worked at BET many years ago as a producer for “Story Porch” before she became an advocate for children with special needs.  Yvette had a full life. 

Her battle to fight pancreatic cancer created a financial strain on her family.  Several of her friends have launched this GoFundMe page in hopes of soliciting donations to help her family to defray her medical costs and other related expenses. The money will also go towards her children's education. Please give today. Help us raise $10,000 to support our sister and friend Yvette. Any amount will help. Please continue to pray for her family.  Her father, Otis Young and her children are very grateful to you for your generosity, support and prayers.



                                          Blessed are those who mourn for they will be comforted.
                                                                                  Matthew 5:4



The Friends of Yvette,

Michelle, Shanti, Pebbles, Desta, Dana