Jazzed For Hope :: A Benefit for Pancreatic Cancer Action Network

Amy Olson

Amy & Jean

My mother, Jean Ruth Peterson, passed away from pancreatic cancer in October of 2007. Her death followed a brave battle that was far too swift and left our family with little time to deal with a diagnosis for which information was meager and hope was scarce.

Her journey began five months prior to her death when she experienced severe back pain. Originally diagnosed as osteoporosis-related pain, a CAT scan later revealed a large mass on her pancreas. She was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in June of 2007.

I was nine months pregnant at the time of my mother’s diagnosis. To shelter me from the news of her cancer diagnosis, my mother told no one but my father of her pancreatic cancer until six weeks following the birth of my daughter. My mother’s unselfish nature put her concern for me and the baby before her own needs. I am grateful that my mother had the opportunity to meet Baby Paige.

My mother holding her new granddaughter, Paige, just after her birth in June 2007. We had no idea that pancreatic cancer that would take her life only four months later.

She lived in extreme pain for two months before having surgery to remove the mass on her pancreas. Although the extensive surgery was deemed successful, our hopes were dashed shortly following the surgery when tests showed that the cancer had already spread to her liver. When we were told that there were no further treatment options available, my mother made the decision to enter hospice where she spent the last 2 ½ weeks of her life with her family by her side.

My mother was the cornerstone of our family and my two older sisters, their children, and my father are, in many ways, lost without her. Her strength, courage and gentle loving manner continue to inspire me. My Mother and Father would have celebrated 50 years of marriage in December of 2007.

Since learning of the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network shortly after my mother’s death, I dedicate my volunteer time and charitable donations to help make a difference in the lives of other families faced with a diagnosis of pancreatic cancer.

Jim and Jean Peterson, in December 2006.