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.

Meet Robin Goldberg, YPB Member

Robin Goldberg, our newest YPB member

Robin's heart is purple for her mom, Susan Goldberg. Her mom was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in July 2005 and lost her battle in August 2006. The summer before she passed, my brother and sister were living in New York so my mom, dad and I decided to take a trip to visit them. New York was always one of my mom’s favorite cities; the phrase ‘shop til you drop’ truly defined her. However, this trip was different than any other. She was so weak and so sick that she was barely able to make it out long without having to go back to the hotel to rest. The fun filled weekend we had all planned turned into a depressing touch of reality that made us all angry and irritable. When it was time to head home, my mom, dad and I left for the airport, beaten down by the outcome of the weekend. When we got to the airport, our flight had been cancelled. Instead of staying at the airport hoping to get on a later flight, we decided it would be best for my mom if we just booked a flight the following day. With one more day to spend in NY we decided to do what all good tourists do and go to Bloomingdales. The store was near closing, but we still had a few minutes to shop around. Riding up the elevator my mom looked at herself in the mirror and started to cry. The reality of her sickness had hit and she hated the toll it had taken on her looks. At that moment we decided it would be a great idea if she got a makeover. Although the store was supposed to close soon, the nice woman at the makeup counter decided to help us anyway. An hour later, the women handed my mom a mirror and everything changed. She was a new woman; there was a glow in her face and a sparkle in her eye that we had not seen since before her diagnosis. Throughout her entire sickness we never saw her look this happy. At this moment her whole demeanor changed, she was happy, confident and full of energy. With this newfound energy, we decided to give the weekend one more try and go out to a nice dinner. The weekend that had started out miserable had finally changed. For that one night we had forgotten about her sickness and were all happy. We left that night with a little bit of hope and a feeling that everything was going to be OK. This was the last time the five of us would ever spend together, but it is a night that I will never forget.

Now, for some fun facts about Robin…

While living in Atlanta, she was a kickboxing instructor. 

Robin describes herself as enthusiastic!

Robin is a Brand Manager, Experienced-Based Marketing and currently resides in Chicago's River North neighborhood. She went to the University of Arizona and is originally from Birmingham, AL.

Meet Edie Lisk, Secretary

Meet Edie Lisk, YPB Secretary 

Meet Edie Lisk, Secretary of the Young Professionals Board. In this position, Edie does a fantastic job of taking meeting minutes and distributing them to the YPB and also keeping the YPB on task with their duties. 

Edie's heart is purple for her mom, Karma Lisk. She was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer on her 58th birthday and passed away 16 days later. "I was fortunate to be by her side during her short battle; although, it was the hardest time of my life to see her go through the extreme pain and suffering. Her battle was too fast. I am passionate about working for early detection in hopes that no one else has to lose a loved one to this awful disease." Edie's favorite memory of her mom is of her smiling and laughing with her family.

Now, for some fun facts about Edie…

Edie's favorite quote is "Everything happens for a reason."

As a child, her dream job was to be a Dateline reporter, a zoologist or a mom. Her career has played out slightly different. She graduated from the University of Iowa with a degree in Psychology. She spent two years in the real estate industry and is now a Program Manager in the email marketing world.

Edie currently resides in Chicago's South Loop neighborhood. Her favorite summer activity is beach volleyball and favorite winter activity is staying inside!

Meet Roslyn Turner, VP of Events and Marketing

Roslyn Turner, VP of Events and Marketing

Meet Roslyn Turner, VP of Events and Marketing of the Young Professionals Board. In this position, Roslyn is responsible for researching venues, coordinating event logistics and decor, and leading promotional efforts.

Roslyn's heart is purple for her mom and dad, Betty & Sol Turner, who bought fought courageous battles against pancreatic cancer. Throughout their battles, they taught Roslyn to live life to its fullest each day no matter what! A special memory is that every year for Roslyn's birthday, her mom would fill the entire kitchen with balloons before she woke up. Her mom was fighting her battle with pancreatic cancer during Roslyn's 20th birthday, so she didn’t expect balloons, but lo and behold, when Roslyn got home from work, her mom greeted her with a handful of balloons! "I was told that she was determined to have them there no matter how she felt or how long it took her. Her determination and love had never been more apparent and will be something I will never forget!" Roslyn said.

Now, for some fun facts about Roslyn…

Roslyn's hobby: scrapbooking. "As much as I don’t get to do it often I love scrapbooking!" she said.

As a child, Roslyn wanted to be a Disney Princess and a lawyer.

Roslyn is a marketing pro and currently lives in Chicago's River North neighborhood. She attended Lake Forest College and grew up in Highland Park, Il.

Meet Mike Navin, Liaison to the Senior Board

Mike Navin, Liaison to the Senior Board

Meet Mike Navin, Liaison to the Senior Board of the Young Professionals Board. As the liaison, Mike is responsible for attending senior board meetings and bringing news from the senior board to the junior board and vice versa.

Mike's heart is purple for his father, Patrick Navin, who passed away of pancreatic cancer in 1993 while he was still in college. His father never showed the pain of his disease. "Even radiation treatments did not stop him from living his life and enjoying his favorite things like spending time with his family, practicing law and playing golf," Mike said. 

Now, for some fun facts about Mike…

Mike's favorite sports team is the Chicago White Sox.

His favorite hobby is playing golf. "I am an avid golfer. My father taught me how to play and we both shared the love of the game."

Mike's mother inspires him. "She handled my father’s disease with love, grace and compassion. She fought through the tough times never thinking of herself but only what was best for her husband and her children."

As a child, Mike wanted to be a business owner.

His favorite summer activity is golfing.

Mike is the President of Cresent Cleaning Company and currently lives in Chicago's Lakeview/Roscoe Village neighborhood. He attended college at Loyola Chicago and grew up in Clarendon Hills, Il.

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

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.

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.

Meet Gordon Rosen, President

Gordon Rosen, President

Meet Gordon Rosen, president of the Young Professionals Board. As president, Gordon oversees board member responsibilities, runs monthly meetings and ensures they are productive, communicates and shares information with the senior board, and much more.

Gordon’s heart is purple for his grandmother, Sylvia, whom he only had the pleasure of knowing for the first two years of his life. Gordon has come to learn that she lived life to its fullest and was absolutely adored by her family and friends. “I try to live each day of my life just as my grandma did,” he said. 

His heart is also purple for his girlfriend and co-board member Heather’s father, David Rosenberg. Gordon feels fortunate to have known David before he passed away, although it was for only 10 months. “Heather and David’s relationship took ‘daddy’s girl’ to a whole new level. They adored each other and were the rock in each other’s lives. While he is no longer physically in our presence, his legacy lives on through his little girl each and every day,” Gordon said.

Now, for some fun facts about Gordon…

His favorite quote is “live everyday like it’s your last.”

Gordon is an avid St. Louis Cardinals and Texas Longhorns fan.

Out of the thousands of restaurants in Chicago, Gordon finds himself at Butterfly Sushi more than anywhere else.

“I am inspired by each of you in my life who gives me the motivation to leave this world a better place than it was the day I was born,” Gordon said when asked what inspires him. 

As a child, Gordon wanted to be a doctor when he grew up.
 
Warm weather vacations are his favorite winter activity. 

Kind is the one word that describes Gordon best.

Gordon is an office technology consultant and currently lives in the Greek Town neighborhood in Chicago. He graduated from the University of Texas at Austin and originally hails from Chesterfield, Mo., a suburb of St. Louis.