Pocono News Section

Family Raising Money, Awareness for Pancreatic Cancer

Family Raising Money, Awareness for Pancreatic Cancer - Wednesday, July 15, 2009 at 5:30PM EST

Reported by: Kyla Campbell
Wednesday, Jul 15, 2009 @ 05:30pm EST

WILKES-BARRE, LUZERNE COUNTY -- Bryn Grabowski's father, Gerald, was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in July 2005 and died seven months later.

"My sister, family, and I experienced what my father was going through," said Grabowski. "There was nowhere in the area to go to."

Through online research, the Grabowskis learned about the Pancreat Cancer Action Network (PCAN).

"They gave us so many tools and resources that were in our area, including different doctors to go to," added Grabowski.

The Grabowskis then created the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre affiliate for PCAN. The group's main fundraiser is Saturday at the Wilkes-Barre Municipal Golf Club. Last year, they aimed to raise $9,000, but raised nearly $60,000. They hope to top that amount this year. The money goes towards research and even buys tools for doctors if needed.

Dr. Steve Kim is a surgeon at Geisinger Wyoming Valley and knows the Grabowski family. He told us the common symptoms of pancreatic cancer.

"Abdominal pain, upset stomach that has not occurred before, unexplained loss of weight," said Dr. Kim, who also said smoking and obesity are common factors in pancreatic cancer patients.

Gerald Grabowski experienced the abdominal pain and lost 60 pounds in just two months. Now, his family is working to make sure more people know the warning signs, and less people die from pancreatic cancer.

"Each day that goes by I think of my father," said Grabowski. "Anything I can do, my family and I will do and we'll continue to do that until a cure is found."

If you'd like to learn more about the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre affiliate of the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network and its golf tournament, paste the following link into your web browser: www. pancan. org/scrantonlinks