Meet Joe Meginnes, YPB Member

Joe Meginnes, YPB Member

Joe's heart is purple for his many friends and their families who have lost loved ones to pancreatic cancer. "Since I started working with the Rolfe Foundation, I've discovered many more personal connections to pancreatic cancer than I ever knew existed. This disease has been so ruthless to so many." 

When asked for a favorite memory of someone who was touched by pancreatic cancer, Joe responded, "I love seeing pancreatic cancer survivors at our meetings and events and knowing that our Board is doing everything in its power to grow their numbers."

Now, for some fun facts about Joe...

Joe was challenged and inspired by something he saw recently on the blog Wait But Why: 

"I think a great way to be a good person is to get in the habit of consciously thinking about the fact that almost every stranger, co-worker, friend, acquaintance, fling, customer service representative, driver, waiter, customer, client, neighbor, and person on the internet you come across: 

-Has a family who loves them and vice versa 
-Has hopes and dreams and regrets and frustrations 
-Has as many thoughts going through their head at all times as you do 
-Is dealing with random health problems, trying to make ends meet financially, and is probably tired 
-Might be supporting one or more other human beings 
-Might be just a little sad all the time about a tragedy in their past
-Might be the most important person in someone else’s life 
-Is just trying to figure out how to be happy

i.e. They’re a full human just like you." 

One of Joe's favorite summer activities in Chicago is "watching a great band play an evening set at a street festival or other outdoor venue."

His favorite restaurants in the city are The Publican and Irazu. 

Growing up, Joe aspired to be the GM of the Chicago Cubs. 

When asked who inspires him, Joe replied: "People who give of themselves without any promise of future return." 

One word that describes Joe is "genuine." 

When asked where he would go if he could go anywhere in the world on vacation, Joe replied "Machu Picchu, Spain, or Alaska." 

Joe said that one goal he would like to accomplish during his lifetime would be to "explore all 50 states with my wife Amy."

Meet Matthew Lescohier, YPB Member

Matthew Lescohier, YPB Member

Matthew's heart is purple for his Uncle Rick, who was diagnosed with stage IV pancreatic cancer last summer and is still fighting the disease. "We are blessed with a large extended family in the area that is supporting my uncle and his family but I still felt helpless and that I wanted to do more. I decided to get involved in the board to show my support, and to provide an outlet for other family members that I thought might feel the same as me."

When asked for a favorite memory about his uncle, Matthew responded, "There are so many great times I have shared with Rick. When I was younger, Rick, my brother Andy and I used to watch the Three Stooges together, and just laugh and laugh. Rick does a fantastic impression of Curly, and helped me hone one of my own." 

Now, for some fun facts about Matthew...

Matthew's favorite quote is "Accept the past, enjoy the present and work hard towards the future."

When asked who inspires him, Matthew said, "The way my uncle has handled the challenges of the disease has been inspiring. I also admire people like Bill Gates that pledge their time, energy and money towards making the world a better place.."

His favorite sports teams are the Bears, Blackhawks, Bulls and Illini, and his favorite summer activities in Chicago include "going to the lake to windsurf, sail or play beach volleyball." 

When asked where he would go if he could go anywhere in the world on vacation, Matthew replied, "Australia and New Zealand are at the top of my current list."

Growing up, Matthew aspired to be "an architect or astronaut, depending on the day."

Matthew said that one goal he would like to accomplish during his lifetime would be to "celebrate my 50th wedding anniversary."

Matthew is a Chicago native and currently lives in Chicago's Wicker Park neighborhood. He graduated with a BSME from UIUC in '02 and with a MBA from UChicago in '07. He currently works as a Senior Director of Alliances and Channel at MapR Technologies.

Meet Clare Willis, YPB Member

Clare Willis, YPB Member

Clare's heart is purple for her grandma. According to Clare, "My grandma was a remarkable woman who traveled the world making friends everywhere she went. She inspired my curiosity and creativity. She was also a tireless volunteer. Pancreatic cancer took her within three weeks of her diagnosis. I am involved in the YPB to fight the cancer that took her and to honor her legacy of volunteer work."

When asked about her favorite memory of her grandma, Clare replied, "I used to sleep over at my grandma's condo. We would knit, talk, eat, and watch ballroom dancing and British comedies on PBS. She loved to laugh."

Now, for some fun facts about Clare...

Clare has been collecting bottle caps since a New Years Eve party in 2001. "I have over 300 different caps and no idea what to do with them."

Her favorite sports team is the Chicago Bears and her favorite part of summer in Chicago is "being able to walk everywhere."

When asked who inspires her, Clare replied, "My husband Chris is always looking for ways to take his time and talents and use them to help others."

As a child, Clare aspired to be "first female president of the United States or a children's book author." Clare is now the mom to a sweet little boy who loves "Hamilton, dinosaurs, and fruit."

When asked where she would go if she could go anywhere in the world on vacation, she responded, "Tokyo."

Clare is from Antioch, IL and currently lives in Chicago's Edison Park neighborhood. She graduated with a BA from University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, JD from Chicago-Kent College of Law and MSLIS from University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. She currently works as a Research Librarian at Chicago-Kent College of Law.

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