Local Women Launch Pancreatic Cancer Advocacy Group

In a mission inspired by personal experiences, two Barrington women are launching a new advocacy group to raise awareness around pancreatic cancer. The disease, often referred to as a silent killer due to its late detection and high mortality rate, is estimated to affect 66,440 people in the United States in 2024. 

Amanda Vondrak and Deanna Stern both lost their mothers to pancreatic cancer and have joined forces to create The Pancreatic Cancer Advocacy Group of the Northwest Suburbs.

The group is hosting its first meeting today, Thursday, 11/21 at @onelifekitchen, coinciding with World Pancreatic Cancer Day and Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month in November. All members of the community are invited to attend to learn more. 

The duo will be partnering with Akhil Chawla, MD, a surgical oncologist with Northwestern Medicine in Chicago, to raise awareness of the disease and advocate for increased research funding. The advocacy group will specifically support Chawla’s “Pancreatic Cyst and High Risk Clinic” via community outreach programs, educational workshops, and fundraising events. 

Through their combined efforts, Vondrak and Stern hope to foster a community of hope, support, and action in the fight against one of the world’s deadliest cancers. To learn more or to become involved, contact Deann Stern at deannastern@icloud.com.