Wednesday, September 26, 2012

Heather Rosenberg's Purple Heart

VP of Operations Heather Rosenberg's heart is purple for her father, David Rosenberg, who lived for 10 months after diagnosis. Heather is a true daddy's girl.

David Rosenberg
8/20/41-5/25/10

A recent photo of Heather and her father
Heather and her dad back in the day

Wednesday, September 19, 2012

"Bet On A Cure" at Casino Night, Sept. 22

This weekend marks the 8th annual Michael Rolfe Foundation Casino Night, “Bet On A Cure.”  We are all very excited as this event is always a highlight of the year. As we look forward to this Saturday night and the wonderful food, games and prizes, we also need to remember the motivation behind this event and the tremendous impact it has on the beneficiaries of the proceeds. 

All proceeds of the event will go towards early detection of pancreatic cancer and support services for patients and their families. Since 2000, the Michael Rolfe Pancreatic Cancer Foundation has provided crucial support to Johns Hopkins Medical Center and the Pancreatic Cancer Early Detection Laboratory. Johns Hopkins experts are global leaders in the research and treatment of pancreatic cancer. No other medical center in the world treats as many pancreatic cancer patients or performs more whipple procedures (the most aggressive and effective form of treatment). We are also proud to support Northwestern Memorial Hospital and other institutions that provide an array of services specifically for pancreatic cancer patients and their families.

The Federal Government continues to cut funding of pancreatic cancer research efforts significantly despite promising developments in pancreatic cancer research. This is why now more than ever, the Michael Rolfe Foundation Young Professionals Board is seeking to develop new partnerships, expand our membership and plan new and exciting events. Please continue to check our Facebook page to learn more about our board members, upcoming events and the progress of the foundation.

Young Professionals Tickets to Casino Night can be purchased by calling 312-726-7766. We hope to see you Saturday night, Sept. 22, at Chicago Cultural Center for an unforgettable evening in support of a wonderful cause.

- Michael Rolfe Pancreatic Cancer Foundation Young Professionals Board

Monday, September 17, 2012

Meet Heather Rosenberg, Vice President of Operations


Heather Rosenberg, Vice President of Operations

Meet Heather Rosenberg, Vice President of Operations of the Young Professionals Board. As Vice President of Operations, Heather supports the president's efforts, facilitates new member outreach, ensures that other board members stay on task and hosts our monthly meetings. 

Heather's heart is purple for her dad, David Rosenberg. "He was my rock, my look alike, my biggest fan, and my favorite person in the whole world. My dad passed away in my arms on my 24th birthday after a 10-month battle with pancreatic cancer."

Now, for some fun facts about Heather…

Her favorite quote: “It doesn’t matter what happens, it matters how you handle what happens.” –David Rosenberg

Heather's fellow Michael Rolfe Young Professional Board Members inspire her. "Your stories are inspirational and your fight is selfless," she said.

Her favorite summer activity is basking in the sun in South Haven, Michigan.

Heather practices family law at Beermann Pritikin Mirabelli Swerdlove LLP and currently lives in Chicago's West Loop neighborhood. She went to undergrad at Penn State University and received her law degree from Chicago-Kent College of Law. Heather grew up in Vernon Hills, Il.

Friday, September 7, 2012

Alarming Facts about Pancreatic Cancer

Did you know that an estimated 44,030 Americans will be diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in the U.S. annually? How about the fact that pancreatic cancer is the 10th most commonly diagnosed cancer in the United States?

In the past, pancreatic cancer has not had as much publicity as cancers such as breast and prostate cancer. However, more light has been shed on this horrible disease with celebrities such as Steve Jobs, Patrick Swayze and Sally Ride who have suffered from the cancer. Here are a number of facts/statistics that will come as a surprise to most of you:

* Pancreatic cancer is a malignant neoplasm originating from transformed cells arising in tissues forming the pancreas.

* Pancreatic cancer typically spreads rapidly and is seldom detected in its early stages. Signs and symptoms may not appear until pancreatic cancer is quite advanced and surgical removal isn't possible.

* 95% of cases are due to pancreatic adenocarcinoma.

* Pancreatic cancer is the fourth deadliest cancer.

* The cancer claims the lives of 75% of those diagnosed within year one, and 96% of those diagnosed within five years.

* The average life expectancy after diagnosis with metastatic disease is just three to six months.

* 90% of people suffering from pancreatic cancer are 55 years of age and older.

* The National Cancer Institute (NCI) spent an estimated $97.1 million on pancreatic cancer research in 2010. What’s crazy is that this represented a mere 2% of the NCI's approximate $5 billion cancer research budget for that year.

On a happier note, there have been multiple exciting breakthroughs that could eventually lead to early detection for pancreatic cancer. For instance, a 15-year old named Jack Andraka made headlines recently for developing a urine and blood test that can detect pancreatic cancer with 90 percent accuracy. We look forward to seeing what the future holds in scientific research, and we hope that one day no one will have to suffer from this terrible disease.

Monday, September 3, 2012

Meet Maggie Brophy, Treasurer


Maggie Brophy, Treasurer
Meet Maggie Brophy, treasurer of the Young Professionals Board. As treasurer, Maggie crunches numbers to ensure that our events and other activities are within budget and keeps track of donations.

Maggie's heart is purple for her mother, Lori Brophy. She is an 11 year pancreatic cancer survivor! She was diagnosed in 2001 and is still going strong. "I want to share her incredible story to show that there is hope through early detection and my mother is living proof," Maggie said.

Now, for some fun facts about Maggie…

Maggie has many favorite restaurants in Chicago, but her top two are Gilt Bar and the Hop Leaf.

Maggie's mother inspires her. "Her bravery in fighting this horrible disease with grace and immeasurable fortitude is a constant reminder of the kind of person I would like to be," she said.

As a child, Maggie wanted to be an artist when she grew up.

Frequenting street festivals and drinking margaritas (preferably at the same time) are her favorite summer activities.

Maggie's favorite winter activity is any activity that involves leaving Chicago for better weather.

Maggie is an analyst at Jones Lang Lasalle and currently lives in Chicago's River North neighborhood. She graduated from Loyola Marymount University and is from Phoenix, Ariz.