In memory of Michelle Sumner (Parsons) who sadly died of Pancreatic Cancer on 5^th March 2019, leaving behind her loving family, her devoted husband Eric and her two loving children, Liam (27) and Danielle (25).

Throughout everything, Michelle was always smiling and always had hope. She was taken far too early.

Michelle was first diagnosed with Pancreatic Cancer in October 2017. It was completely out of the blue, she had just come back from a holiday in Greece with Eric and began to feel unwell. She suffered from abdominal pain and back pain, and then noticed she was jaundice. After several GP appointments, a hospital admission and an MDT meeting, Michelle was diagnosed with Pancreatic Cancer. At this time, we were devastated but remained optimistic as we found out Michelle was eligible to have the Whipples Operation as the cancer had not spread. Only 10% of people who are diagnosed with Pancreatic Cancer are deemed operable, for the remaining 90%, the cancer can only be treated with palliative chemotherapy. This is due to late diagnosis and lack of knowledge surrounding the disease.

Michelle had the operation at The Royal Hospital, Liverpool. The Whipples Operation is one of the biggest operations a person could have, and Michelle recovered remarkably. She was in theatre for nine hours and discharged from the hospital seven days later! Michelle was told the operation was a success however she was recommended to undergo six months of chemotherapy to “mop up any stray cancerous cells” that may have been left behind. Michelle tolerated the chemotherapy extremely well and only began to experience severe side effects towards the end of the six months.

Due to the nature of the cancer, Michelle had to have three monthly check ups at The Royal Hospital. A year to the date of her Whipples Operation, Michelle returned to The Royal for one of her check up’s. Prior to this, Michelle had been experiencing fatigue and digestion problems. Consequent blood tests suggested that the cancer had returned and a CT scan confirmed that the cancer had not only returned, but it had also spread. Michelle was told there was no operation this time, only palliative chemotherapy which may slow the cancer down. It was terminal.

Michelle approached this with positivity and wanted to fight this with all her will. However this is a cruel disease, and when it reoccurs, it is often extremely aggressive. Michelle only had one round of chemotherapy which resulted in her being admitted to hospital with Neutropenic Sepsis. 

Sadly, Michelle passed away at the beginning of March, only three months after the cancer had recurred. 

THE FACTS

Pancreatic Cancer research is very much under-funded despite it being the 5^th most common cause of cancer deaths in the UK. Over 9,921 people are diagnosed with Pancreatic Cancer each year, with 80% of people not living past a year.

Below are some surprising statistics:

· Forty years ago, only 46% of women diagnosed with Breast Cancer survived five years or more. Now that figure is 80%.

· Forty years ago, only 43% of women diagnosed with Cervical Cancer survived five years or more. Now that figure is 63%.

· Forty years ago, only 22% of people diagnosed with Bowel Cancer survived ten years or more. Now that figure is 57%.

· Forty years ago, only 3% of people diagnosed with Pancreatic Cancer survived five years or more. That figure is still 3%.

· Forty years ago, only 1% of people diagnosed with Pancreatic Cancer survived ten years or more. That figure is also still 1%.

If there had been any improvement in survival rates for Pancreatic Cancer within the last 40 years, Michelle would still be here today. She was operable and had the adjuvant chemotherapy, yet only lived for 17 months following the original diagnosis.

Michelle was only 53 when she passed away. If this fundraising page can help one person alone, it will mean her death will not have been in vain.

A staggering 1% of the national spend for Cancer Research goes towards Pancreatic Cancer.

That is why this fundraising page is vital to help ensure Pancreatic Cancer is getting the amount of funding it requires.