Meet Joe Meginnes, YPB Member

Joe Meginnes, YPB Member

Joe's heart is purple for his former roommate's grandfather, his friend's mother, and all those who have been and will be affected by this disease, particularly his fellow YPB members. 

Some fun facts about Joe...

His favorite sports teams are Notre Dame football and the Chicago Cubs. "I’ve had a rocky existence."

The Publican is Joe's favorite restaurant in Chicago. "You can't beat the menu, beer list, and atmosphere."

People who give of themselves without any promise of future return inspire Joe.

As a child, he wanted to be a lawyer like his father; at various stages, he also wanted to be the GM of the Cubs and Steve McQueen.

In the summer, Joe loves live music outdoors. In the winter, he likes holing up at a dive bar in the neighborhood with a bunch of friends and making each other laugh.

"Genuine" is one word that describes him.

Joe is an attorney and lives in Chicago's Bucktown neighborhood. He graduated from the University of Notre Dame and is from Peoria, IL.

Meet Brian Traynor, YPB Member

Brian's heart is purple for all of the people who have been impacted by pancreatic cancer. The stories I’ve heard from sons and daughters of people who have passed have inspired me to get involved. 

Now, for some fun facts about Brian...

His favorite sports teams are the Chicago Bears and White Sox.

Brian's family inspires him.

When he was a child, he wanted to grow up to be the President.

His favorite summer activity is boating and favorite winter activity is watching football.

Words that describe Brian are "Talented… Just Kidding. Caring."

Brian is a Hedge Fund Research Analyst and lives in Chicago's Lincoln Park neighborhood. He graduated from DePaul University and is from Long Grove, IL.

Meet Blair Siegel, YPB Member

Blair's heart is purple for the courageous men and women who fight everyday to overcome this terrible illness. Blair currently serves as the YPB's Sponsorship Chair.

Now, for some fun facts about Blair...

Blair's favorite quote is “be the change you wish to see in the world.”-Ghandi

Her favorite restaurant in Chicago is anywhere with great sushi!

The other members of the Young Professionals Board who work tirelessly to support an early detection test for pancreatic cancer inspire her.

As a child, Blair wanted to be a pediatrician when she grew up.

In the summer, Blair loves grilling on a deck with a great bottle of wine. In the winter, she likes to read by a fire.

A phrase that describes Blair is "small, but mighty."

Blair moved to Chicago from Pennsylvania to attend graduate school and received her masters in social work in 2012. She works for Crown Family Philanthropies. Blair and her husband marc were married in Philadelphia in October 2012 at a children's museum where their guests rode on a carousel during cocktail hour.

Meet Matt Withey, YPB Member

Matt's heart is purple for not only the millions of people who have lost someone special to pancreatic cancer, but for the millions more who lost the opportunity to know someone special. "My grandfather passed away from pancreatic cancer when I was young. People say to this day that he and I were so much alike — nearly the same person in many respects. I would have loved to have gotten to know him better."

Now for some fun facts about Matt...

His favorite sports team is whatever team is playing the Miami Heat.

Matt loves to fly fish. "I’ve been hooked since I was old enough to hold a rod," he said.

His favorite restaurants in Chicago are Joe’s Stone Crab in River North and Del Seoul in Lincoln Park.

As a child, Matt wanted to be an astronaut when he grew up. Unfortunately, he soon came to realize that people who get nauseous on carousels probably don’t make very good astronauts.

In the winter, he likes to head to the mountains to snowboard or head home to Phoenix to play golf, see family and thaw out.

Matt is a Real Estate Investment Associate and resides in Chicago's Lincoln Park neighborhood. He went to Northwestern University and is originally from Phoenix, AZ.

Meet Heather Venkatesh, YPB Member

Heather Venkatesh, YPB Member

Heather's heart is purple for her dad, Ron. He was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in February 2012. He underwent the Whipple procedure on Feb. 29, 2012 to remove the tumor and followed up with recommended chemotherapy and radiation. "My dad is eager to gain back his strength so he can return to his active lifestyle. I feel very fortunate that the cancer was detected before it was too late," Heather said.

Now, for some fun facts about Heather...

Her favorite sports team is any Mizzou team, although they have been disappointing lately!

Heather's favorite restaurant in Chicago is Gibson’s. "My husband and I had our first date and rehearsal dinner there. I love my steak - you can’t beat a nice filet." 

In the summer, Heather likes to walk along Lake Michigan and go to Oak St. beach.

One word that best describes her is all qualities CAPRICORN.

Heather is a marketing professional at the American Hospital Association and resides in Chicago's River North neighborhood. She went to the University of Missouri for undergrad and is currently pursuing her MBA at Kellogg School of Management. Heather grew up in Roselle, IL.

Meet Andrew Roberts, YPB Member

Andrew Roberts, YPB Member

Andrew's heart is purple for his friend and fellow YPB member, Heather Rosenberg. "While I never had the pleasure of knowing her father personally, I witness the embodiment of his strength in Heather every day. While I cannot pretend to know the hurt that comes with losing a parent, I feel it is my duty to do my part to prevent that hurt from touching others."

Now, for some fun facts about Andrew...

His favorite quote: “Cancer can take away all of my physical abilities. It cannot touch my mind, it cannot touch my heart, and it cannot touch my soul. And those three things are going to carry on, forever.” – Coach Jim Valvano

Andrew's grandfather, Wallace Roberts, inspires him. He passed away from lymphoma in 2002. A survivor of polio as a child, Wally was never willing to let his disability affect his daily life or his work as a farmer. Bedridden from the chemotherapy and radiation, my grandpa still had an endless supply of jokes and smiles. He will always drive me to be strong.

As a child, Andrew wanted to be a Centerfielder for the Chicago Cubs when he grew up.

Andrew is a consultant and currently resides in Chicago's River North neighborhood. He went to Miami University and is from Buffalo Grove, IL.

Meet our Founder, Jim Rolfe

Jim Rolfe with YPB Members at Casino Night

Along with family and friends, Jim Rolfe started the Michael Rolfe Pancreatic Cancer Foundation in 1999. His heart is purple for his father, Mike, who passed away at the very young age of 61. "In simple words, my father was my best friend and hero. My value system is a product of his guidance, support, respectfulness of others and wisdom. I miss him very much, think of him daily and believe how truly proud he would be of all us who have come together to fight this horrific disease." 

Jim is inspired by all of his board members, YPB members and donors who donate their time and money to the organization. "I am continually impressed with the ambition and drive of our people as we continue to expand our organization. Together, we are making a difference."

Now, for some fun facts about Jim...

His favorite quote is “Do unto others as you would have others do unto you.”

He loves Chicago sports teams: Cubs, Bears and Bulls.

A hobby Jim enjoys is building Lego items with his six year old son.

His favorite restaurant in Chicago is Joe’s Stone Crab.

When he was a child, he wanted to be a Big League baseball player.

Jim's favorite summer activities are water balloon fights with his kids and golfing.

A word that describes Jim is thoughtful.

Jim is a Managing Director, Commercial Banking at The PrivateBank & Trust Company. He received his undergraduate degree from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and his MBA from Kellogg School of Management. He resides in Highland Park.

Young Professional Member Jill Driscoll Meets Jack Andraka



Jack Andraka and Jill Driscoll

 Young Professional Member Jill Driscoll met Jack Andraka in November. Here is her story...

At Casino Night 2012, we were lucky enough to come up with the winning bid for a lunch date with Jack Andraka, the 15-year-old whiz who developed an innovative test for the early detection of pancreatic cancer. In late November, we flew out to Maryland for a Sunday buffet brunch on Baltimore's Inner Harbor, with Jack and his mother, Jane.

We'd originally heard about Jack and his work through the Michael Rolfe Foundation, so we were already impressed with his research and the many accolades it had received, including the grand prize at the Intel International Science & Engineering Fair. But to actually meet Jack and hear a first-hand account of his research was even more impressive. Jack has a passion for science, a love of problem-solving, and a contagious enthusiasm for life. What amazed us the most was that, as much as Jack's work has benefitted pancreatic cancer research, he's just as interested in research aimed at solving other problems, in other areas of medicine, and even in different fields outside of medicine altogether.

Getting to meet Jack and Jane and hear their stories was, for us, a fascinating tour of curiosity, wonder and inspiration. Before we knew it, we'd all been back to the buffet line one too many times, and it was time for us all to be getting on our way. We bid Jack and Jane farewell and wished them the best with Jack's continuing research. Hopefully, another lunch with Jack will be up for auction at the Michael Rolfe Foundation's Casino Night this year, and some other lucky people will have a chance to meet Jack and Jane. (But they'll have to outbid us first.)