I am a big believer in the power of hope. It is one of the reasons I chose to become involved with the effort to raise awareness of and funding for pancreatic cancer.

Hope is both a verb and a noun. Among its definitions:

* to desire with expectation of obtainment
* desire accompanied by belief in fulfillment
* trust, reliance

One of the most devastating aspects of pancreatic cancer is that there is so little possibility for hope.

My mom, Gail Kopp, was a gentle, determined woman. Her death from pancreatic cancer in June 2008 was the end of her decades long battle against cancer.

She was first diagnosed with cancer in 1991. At that time, she had breast cancer in her right breast. In 1996, it was a new cancer in her left breast. In December 1998, she learned the breast cancer had spread to her brain. She had brain surgery followed by radiation. At that time, her oncologist also changed her from one anti-breast cancer drug to another, newer one.

She took all of this with as positive an attitude as I could imagine anyone having. She worked hard to be well. She continued her career as a substitute teacher, she participated in water aerobics, she encouraged others, and she enjoyed being alive & caring for her family and friends.

Even with the horrible diagnosis of metastatic breast cancer, my mom could find hope. Enough could be done that she believed in the possibility of surviving and being well.

In January 2008, she was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. She continued as she always had, making the best of the time she had and refusing to give up or feel sorry for herself. She passed away on June 19, 2008 a few days before her 69th birthday.

It may be that there is a long way to go in fighting pancreatic cancers, but in showing up for the battle, we are making progress and creating more room for hope. While my mother and so many others have traveled beyond their journey with pancreatic cancer, we continue the fight.

Hope:

* to cherish a desire with anticipation
* to be Jazzed for Hope