Meet Bret Keil, YPB Member

Bret Keil, YPB Member

Bret's heart is purple for his Great Aunt, who was recently diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, as well as "all those who have been or will be affected by pancreatic cancer."

Bret was introduced to the Rolfe Foundation through his former boss Christine Hanover, who serves as Treasurer on the Rolfe Foundation Board of Directors.

As Bret describes, "I was inspired to join the cause by the stories of those affected and the passion of the board members. My hope is that through our efforts and contributions to early detection research, we can give hope to those families and friends impacted by pancreatic cancer."

Now, for some fun facts about Bret...

Bret's favorite quote is: "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." - Jim Valvano

His favorite sports teams are the Chicago White Sox and Indiana Hoosiers Basketball.

When asked about an interesting hobby or passion, Bret responded "a couple of summers ago, my brother and I spent the weekends trying to play every frisbee golf course in the Chicagoland area. I'm also passionate about the history of rock music. I am a self proclaimed music expert, mainly consisting of music from the 60's through the 90's."

His favorite restaurants are Lou Malnati's for pizza and Twin Anchors for ribs.

Bret is inspired by his parents. "I learn something new from them every day, and continue to gain more and more respect for all the opportunities they've given me in life."

In the summer, his favorite activity is "any activity outside where I can pretend to be a kid again. Playing wiffle ball comes to mind."

Bret describes himself as "sarcastic" and growing up wanted to be "a comedian...that was until I realized I'm not as funny as I think I am. I am cursed by three generations of dry humor."

Bret is from Munster, IN and currently lives in Chicago's Old Town neighborhood. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Business and Master in Accounting from Indiana University. He currently works as a Portfolio Accountant at LaSalle Investment Management.

Meet Annie Betti, YPB Member

Annie Betti, YPB Member

Annie's heart is purple for cousin her Megan, who was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in November 2013 at the age of 24 and lost her battle in April 2014. Throughout her courageous battle, Megan remained positive and fought with bravery that inspired everyone around her. 

As Annie describes "Our family lost a part of our heart last year, but Megan's battle has taught me to be courageous, to love endlessly, and to fight for what you believe in. She left this world much too early, but her energy will live on with us forever. My heart will always remain purple in honor of Megan."

Annie's favorite memory of Megan is from early childhood. "We grew up inseparable: me, my 5 sisters, and Megan. Every New Years my aunt and uncle would have a party and at the end of the night we got to sleepover at Megan's. When everyone left we would curl up in our sleeping bags and on the couches and watch the Labyrinth. It used to scare me to death, but it was Megan's favorite movie. We would stay up all night and in the morning my parents would bring us donuts and we would all spend the day in pajamas hanging out."

Annie joined the Pancreatic Cancer YPB to honor and fight for all those who are fighting and/or who have lost the battle to pancreatic cancer.

Now, for some fun facts about Annie...

Annie's favorite quote is: "If you want something you've never had, then you've got to do something you've never done."

Her favorite sports team is the Chicago Bears, and her favorite restaurant is Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba.

Annie enjoys going to musical festivals and concerts. In the summer, her favorite activity is "going to Cubs games or anything I can do outside with friends." In the winter, Annie enjoys "staying warm - usually either on the couch watching movies or reading a book."

Growing up, Annie wanted to be a teacher. "I have always wanted to help people in some way."

Annie describes herself as "thoughtful" and has "five sisters who I'm very close with."

She is inspired by "my parents, each one of my sisters, and of course, Megan."

Annie is from Palatine, Illinois and currently lives in Chicago's Lakeview neighborhood. She graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and a minor in Business from Indiana University. She currently works as a Compensation Specialist at Aon.

Meet Lee Sanders, YPB Member

Lee Sanders, YPB Member

Lee's heart is purple for his best friend's father, who lost his battle to pancreatic cancer when they were teenagers.  "He had a larger than life personality and to see someone with his strength and energy fall ill was a testament to how terrible the desiese is. His battle has been the catalyst that has driven me to join the YPB."

Now, for some fun facts about Lee...

His sports team is The Indiana Hoosiers.

When asked about an interesting hobby or passion, Lee replied, "I love domestic travel. I'm all about the three day weekend trips to a new city."

Lee's  favorite restaurant in Chicago is Twin Anchors. "Their ribs are unparalleled. I make sure to go on my birthday every year."

Growing up, Lee wanted to be a mailman. "Not kidding....good exercise, delivering birthday cards, whistling a good tune. Seemed like a fun time."

In the summer, Lee's favorite activity is going to the Diversey Driving Range at dusk. "It's a little cooler by the lake and very calming to hit a bucket of balls. Plus it makes me think I'm better at golf than I really am."

Lee is a Chicago native and currently lives in Chicago's Lakeview neighborhood.  He graduated with a B.A. in Communications and Business from Indiana University  and now works as an Account Executive at Mintel.

Meet Katherine Dorn, YPB Member

Katherine Dorn,
YPB Member

Katherine's heart is purple for her Aunt Terri. She was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in the fall of 2011 after months of doctors’ appointments, blood tests, and scans yielding no cancer results. She lost her battle on May 8, 2012.

As Katherine recalls, "Aunt Terri was truly the kindest, most gentle and loving woman I knew. She never hesitated to give to others, she always saw the best in people, and she adored her family. Everyone around Charlotte, her hometown in upstate New York, knew her through her work with Holy Cross Church as the Bombers Cheerleading coach, a volunteer position she held for 37 years. Aunt Terri was the sister my mother never had and the absolute best Auntie. Despite the distance between New York and Chicago, she didn’t miss a single life milestone from my birth to my Sweet 16 and high school graduation. She taught me what it means to be selfless, humble, and appreciative of life’s many gifts."

Shortly after her aunt's passing, Katherine and her parents stumbled across the Rolfe Foundation while walking along Lake Michigan during the 2012 Dash for Detection. Since then, Katherine and her nearest friends and family gather to celebrate her Aunt Terri's life at the annual Dash for Detection Event.

Now, for some fun facts about Katherine...

Her favorite sports team is the Penn State Nittany Lions, especially the football team and her beloved Joe Paterno. "There is nothing quite like Beaver Stadium on game day with 107,000 of my closest friends! "

When asked about an interesting hobby or passion, Katherine responded, "I love to cook. I'm an avid reader, especially of Young Adult literature because of my profession. I would love to sky dive one day!"

Katherine's favorite girls' night spot is Mercadito. "The hours fly by with great friends, tacos, and margaritas." Her favorite date night spot is Coco Pazzo Cafe. "It is intimate, romantic, and has great homemade pasta!"

As a kindergartener, Katherine remembers aspiring to be a teacher when she grew up. "I feel so lucky that 22 years later I find myself doing just that."

In the summer, Katherine's favorite activity is "attending street festivals and rooftop BBQing."

Katherine is from Long Grove, IL and currently lives in Chicago's River North neighborhood.  She graduated with a Bachelors in Secondary Education English and Mass Communications from Penn State University and a Masters of Education in Curriculum Studies and ELL from DePaul University. She currently works as a Freshman Reading and Literature/Composition Teacher at Waukegan High School (Waukegan Unit District #60 in Waukegan, IL).

Meet Hasket Morris, YPB Member

Hasket Morris,
YPB Member

Hasket's heart is purple for his dad, who was diagnosed on April 1, 2014. "His battle has drummed up a community of support I don't think he ever thought was possible. It's giving him lots of additional strength which he so desperately needs and he loves hearing news on the steps we're taking to eradicate the disease."

Hasket  found out about the Rolfe Pancreatic Cancer Foundation through a friend who grew up with young professional board member Alyssa Van Denburg. "They told me about the Dash for Detection 5K in the Spring. My dad was thrilled that I did it. That lead to me going on the benefit cruise which he also loved hearing about. There, I was approached and offered young professional board membership. The feeling of knowing we're doing things to keep others from having to experience this has been really wonderful."

Hasket is from Ferrisburgh, VT and currently lives in Chicago's East Lakeview neighborhood. He graduated with a B.A. from Columbia College Chicago. He works as an actor for various companies in the city.

Meet Davis O'Connell, YPB Member

Davis O'Connell, YPB Member

Davis's heart is purple for all those who have been and will be affected by pancreatic cancer, particularly his fellow YPB members.

Now, for some fun facts about Davis...

Davis's favorite sports team is the Chicago Blackhawks. "The early 2000's were bleak, but with two Stanley Cups in the past five years, things have been going pretty well."

Davis travels almost every week for work, but, when he isn't on the road, he enjoys playing ice hockey on a local men's league team and golf. In the summer, he tries to spend "as much time as possible on a Chicago rooftop enjoying a good beer with friends."  He also enjoys wakeboarding in the summer, skiing in the winter, and is a lover of stand-up comedy. 

As a child, Davis aspired to be an astronomer. While he bailed on this idea in pursuit of a consulting career, he still enjoys reading articles and books on the subject. 

Davis is from Wilmette, IL and currently lives in Chicago's Bucktown neighborhood.  He graduated with a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering and works as a consultant in Accenture's Smart Grid Services practice.

Meet Katie Brungardt, YPB Member

Katie Brungardt, YPB Member

Katie’s heart is purple for her step-dad, Craig, who was diagnosed with stage 4 pancreatic cancer in April of 2013—about two months before Katie graduated from college. Craig fought his battle for nearly a year, nine months longer than his prognosis.  “His last year on earth was one well lived.  We traveled, saw family, ate good food and spent time making memories as a family.”

“Craig came into my life when I was just 18 months old. He has been a huge part of my life, he was my biggest supporter, my cheerleader and the rock of our family. He put me through school, taught me how to drive a car, and showered me, my mom, and two sisters with love and laughter. He was such a prankster and had the best laugh out of anyone I knew.  I got involved with the Rolfe Foundation through Jim Rolfe who reached out to me when he learned that pancreatic cancer had touched my life in a similar fashion to his own.”

Now, for some fun facts about Katie…

Her favorite quote is: "Live in the moment."

Katie is a “huge college basketball fan,” and her favorite teams are the KU Jaywhawks and Saint Louis University Billikens.  She is also roots for the Kansas City Chiefs and the St. Louis Cardinals.

When asked about an interesting hobby or passion, Katie replied, “I love traveling! I studied in Madrid, Spain for a semester and did an emerging market field study in Panama my senior year of college. I never miss an opportunity to go some place new.”

Katie describes herself as “optimistic,” and her hobbies include reading, long distance running and any kind of outdoor activity. As Katie admits, “I also have a slight obsession with dogs, Disney movies and Christmas.”

When asked about her favorite restaurant, Katie responded, " Nookies. I love breakfast food. A lot.”

Katie is inspired by  all four of her parents. “Being part of a blended family, I am fortunate to have had great relationships with my mom, dad, step-mom and of course my amazing step-dad. Each one of them has taught me so much, and they are all four so different—I feel like I am a more well-rounded individual because of the influence each one of them has had on my life.”

Katie’s favorite summer activities are “Running and biking—especially down the lakefront.”  During the winter, Katie enjoys “ drinking hot chocolate. Skiing is fun too, but I'm better at the former.”

Katie is from Shawnee, KS and currently lives in Chicago's Lincoln Park neighborhood. She graduated with a B.S. in Business Administration from Saint Louis University and currently works as a  Credit Analyst for The Private Bank.