Meet Danielle, a registered dietitian at @UCD_Cancer and a dedicated #PanCANVolunteer. For years, she has used PanCAN’s resources to support pancreatic cancer patients at work, so when the opportunity to volunteer arose, she didn’t hesitate to get involved. "I talk to pancreatic cancer patients and their families all the time, so survivor outreach fits well with my role as a dietitian," Danielle shares. She plays a crucial role in connecting survivors, ensuring no one feels alone in their journey. "There was one young man, newly diagnosed, with no close friends or family here. I introduced him to two survivors at PurpleStride, and they talked the entire time. That was so great." Her passion doesn’t stop there — Danielle has also rallied her care team to support PurpleStride Sacramento. "We had good old-fashioned bake sales. We sold roses with lollipops for Valentine's Day. By event day, UC Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center raised just over $5,000 for the first time ever!" When asked if other healthcare professionals should volunteer, she says: "Absolutely, especially if you love connecting with others. It makes your heart full to be a part of something outside of the usual treatment spaces." Thank you, Danielle, for all you do to support the pancreatic cancer community! 💜 Want to make an impact like Danielle? Join PanCAN as a volunteer today: pancan.org/get-involved/volu…

National Volunteer Appreciation Week is April 20-26, but we’re extending our gratitude to PanCAN volunteers throughout the month by highlighting a different volunteer each week in April! 📆 Meet Rob, a #pancreaticcancer survivor and dedicated #PanCANVolunteer who is using his journey to inspire and support others. 💜 Rob was diagnosed in October 2019 and faced an uphill battle through chemo, radiation, and surgery. In the early days of his diagnosis, he searched online for information but only found fear and negativity — until a @MayoClinic staff member introduced him to PanCAN. “I went to the site and one of the first things I did was read stories of hope from survivors. That fortified my belief that I just had to stick to the plan and hope everything would work out.” Despite the challenges, Rob remained determined. “I decided to keep a hopeful mindset... It was one of the first times in my life where I truly knew what it meant to be present.” His trust in his doctors and the support of his family kept him moving forward. “The fight was on me, but I didn’t feel alone in my corner.” At first, after beating cancer, Rob wanted to move on. “I didn’t want to identify as a cancer patient anymore.” But as he approached the five-year mark, he realized he couldn’t stay quiet. Volunteering at PanCAN PurpleStride changed everything. “I was blown away on event day by the number of people who came out… I thought, ‘I’ve got to do more.’” Now, as the Phoenix Affiliate Chair, Rob is working to expand PanCAN’s impact, raise awareness, and push for better treatments. His message to those facing pancreatic cancer: “Never lose hope. There are going to be dark days… but if you can make it to the next day, you stand a chance.” Thank you, Rob, for all that you do as a PanCAN volunteer. 💜 If you want to join Rob and the thousands of other volunteers who make our mission possible, head to pancan.org/get-involved/volu….