The day after my mom’s 60th birthday, she was suddenly diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and given less than 12 months to live. Our family was in complete shock. We found out about TGen Foundation from a doctor she had seen during her treatments - Dr. Von Hoff. He was amazing and gifted. He encouraged us to get involved with TGen. I remember him saying “we keep trying to find a cure because one day, you’ll wake up and there will be one. And from that point forward, ALL patients with pancreatic cancer will be cured!” Those words have inspired me to never give up hope and keep “stepping out” to help raise money for research. We can’t get to that day fast enough!

Frank Weitz was my hero. He was my teacher, a mentor, a leader, and a fantastic father/grandfather. He retired from teaching, took a trip with his buddies to Costa Rica to go canopying in the jungle and came back with dark urine. He simply thought he ate something bad on his trip. 

A few weeks later he found out he had pancreatic cancer. He survived 23 months after surgery thanks to the wonderful surgical team at TGen. After going through chemo, he said he was "lucky;" he lived 69 years of perfect health until that day. 

He didn't feel sorry for himself rather for the young women/men with breast cancer and other cancers on the chairs next to him. I support OneMore in honor of Frank who was a great man and for the many others who left us too soon.