Our Premiere!!!

Well, we did it! Yesterday we officially launched our blog and project at our first A Face to the Name Photo Exhibition in South Philly! We were both overwhelmed with emotions and thrilled to see just how many people came out to support us! This project was initially a way that two long-time friends could give back to the community for Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month doing what they loved but has unexpectedly grown into something both beautiful and long-term!!! We want to extend our sincerest thank you's to our participants for sharing their story and letting the public in on their personal journeys and connections with pc. Without all of the support from our team we could have never done this!!!

To our participants, we are forever touched that you took a chance on our idea and made it happen! Because of you, we have made a difference and raised awareness about pc this month in a way that both Eileen and I always hoped for. THANK YOU to the following:

Andrea C.
John T.
Tracey S.
Lann S.
Bob E.
Bob H.
Dr. Betsy L.
Connie F.
Dr. Yeo
Dr. Sun
Abbie and Mike C.
Pia M.
Lorraine and Karl F.
Terri and Bob. E.

Our thanks to: Dominick Defino and FilmTech School, Anam Owili Eger for entertainment, Tim Jones and Sheraton Hotels, Lorraine Franz as well as to those who helped us along the way with marketing and pr. To Renee Chenault- Fattah, thank you for coming out to support us!! Thank you to the Philadelphia Affiliate of Pancreatic Cancer Action Network for helping to spread the word about our project and for connecting us to some of our participants!

To the friends and family of those who participated on this project, thank you for spreading the word so much that not only were we featured on the two newscasts last evening but also have sparked interest in others who would like to host the exhibition again!!! Thank you too for coming out to support your loved-ones and our project and recognizing the importance of pc as a cause. Last night was only the beginning of A Face to the Name and we cannot wait to see our project grow!!!

We will continue to keep all of you updated on our progess and future exhibitions. If anyone is interested in purchasing any of the prints featured last night please get in touch and if you know anyone who may be interested in being a participant in this project please do spread the word!!!

Please keep in touch and spread the word about our blog!!!


With love,

Taryn and Eileen

Today's Event

Today we will offically introduce A Face to the Name: Personal Journeys of Pancreatic Cancer from 2-6pm at the Film Tech School on S. Juniper Street, Philadelphia! Please come out today to this free event!

In just one month, this project has truly spiraled into something so much greater than we have ever expected. We have met so many remarkable individuals who's Journeys with Pancreatic Cancer will forever leave a lasting impression and we cannot wait to share with them everyone today! We are so thankful to everyone who has supported us with this project and cannot wait to see this project grow!!!!

If you are interested in participating or hosting this project in the future, please e-mail touchedbypc@gmail.com

Abbie, Mike and Sophie!

A pre-K teacher in the Philadelphia School District for years, Lynda Soroka led a healthy life, she never drank or smoked and maintained a healthy diet.
In January of 2008, when her recurring problem with back pain was accompanied by a loss of appetite, she would soon hear the news of a tumor on her pancreas.
Doctors were hopeful to perform a full Whipple surgery, but unfortunately Lynda was not a candidate as the disease had spread.
She was given 6-12 months, a bit of information that only child Abbie wouldn't let the doctor tell her.
She decided to take part in a clinical trial at the Fox Chase Medical Center. This involved 2 months of chemotherapy, resulting in her hair thinning. Abbie and her dad had the new task of hiding the hair loss from her by snatching up the fallen hair before Lynda would find it!
Abbie is convinced that "Sophie", Lynda's dog, knew what was happening all along. They even got her into the hospital to visit!
Toward the end, it seemed as if Lynda held out to say goodbye. Her brother Bob flew in from Hawaii in the nick of time, "Oh Bob it hurts, I waited for you".
Her fight was strong and her life cut much too short. Abbie and husband Mike were grateful to have the time to process this in steps, the "not hit by a bus factor", a term we may have coined during our meeting.
Please join us to see more of Abbie's and other stories November 22nd 2-6pm, at the Film Tech School, 2019 S. Juniper St. 2nd Floor Philadelphia, PA 19148.

Dr. Betsy

The energetic Betsy showed her "frown" scar with pride during our interview at her chemotherapy treatment. It was hard to keep up with her; she's up to get her blood analysis, back for a second, then a weigh in, then back, then blood pressure, and then after all the results returned with what the doctor needed to see, off to another waiting area, then to another floor, and finally to get the chemotherapy treatment. It was easy to see that Betsy is not content when sedentary...even in the hospital she was moving a mile a minute.
And right there with her is Rochelle, nicknamed "Rivvy", Betsy's sister in law. A tireless, patient, calm companion with a smile who's been right there with her almost every step of the way. Betsy credits Bob her brother and Rivvy with rallying around her and showing support through it all.
"Let people be there for you", is Betsy's advice.
As a psychologist Betsy is used to taking care of patients and had to transition into the patient when diagnosed. Her journey through Pancreatic Cancer showed her that it is ok to receive help.
"When I feel well, I don't feel too afraid". As she shared her story, she would look away slightly, searching her mind for how she felt at that exact moment, and then interject with her thoughts of coping. Simultaneously doctor and patient, Betsy's fight continues.
Please join us to see more of Betsy's and other stories November 22nd 2-6pm, at the Film Tech School, 2019 S. Juniper St. 2nd FloorPhiladelphia, PA 19148.

Mama Pia!

The epitome of strength and positivity is Pia Miller. Her capacity to find good in the worst situation is inspirational.
Pia first knowledge of Pancreatic Cancer came the year prior to her diagnosis when her cousin's husband got the news no one wants to hear. In January of 2006, Pia felt a brief shooting nerve pain, and deep down thought to herself that this is Pancreatic Cancer. She didn't tell anyone, but after regular appointments and an intuitive doctors last minute question, she had an ultra-sound which proved her initial thought to be true.
Since recovery, Pia has dedicated mostly all of her time to Pancreatic Cancer Awareness efforts...she does allow some time for painting, Pia was an art teacher in Bucks County for 27 years.
Pia started the Purple Stride Awareness walk with the PanCan Philadelphia affiliate in 2007, and also holds an educator/outreach position.
Please join us to see more of Pia's and other stories November 22nd 2-6pm, at the Film Tech School, 2019 S. Juniper St. 2nd FloorPhiladelphia, PA 19148.

Tracey's story

Despite being given only 5 months to live after diagnosis, Tracey's father, a retired New Jersey Police officer fought Pancreatic Cancer for a year and one month. Tracey put the most poignant note on her graduation cap so everyone knew where she was in the ceremony, "My dad is my hero".
The senior year of college is supposed to be one of the most amazing times in a persons life...getting ready to start your career, finding out who you really are, and making friends you'll have forever. Tracey however, was sent in a different direction, she was the brave on in the family, taking care of her father and as many aspects of his Pancreatic Cancer that she could. While her friends were out at parties, she was at the hospital, and when they went to the bars, she was getting her fathers legal matters in order.
Please join us to see more of Tracey's and other stories November 22nd 2-6pm, at the Film Tech School, 2019 S. Juniper St. 2nd FloorPhiladelphia, PA 19148.

Bob H.'s Story

When asked what was worse to deal with, the Pancreatic Cancer or the insurance battle, Bob responded with a shy smile and a little laugh "the insurance battle".
Five years ago, the then 43 year old man who had never even broken a bone or had so much as a stitch in his life, went to the doctor with what he thought was a pulled muscle under his left rib. Tests were run, nothing was found, but the pain was still there. Was he crazy? Surely that's what his doctor would think if he came back again for the same issue asking for another test. Bob decided to return, and a CAT Scan showed two lesions on his pancreas.
Having no prior knowledge of Pancreatic Cancer, the then Eucharistic Minister was told that without surgery he would live maybe 2-3 years longer and die a slow and painful death.
As if enduring surgery weren't hard enough, Bob's battle with trying to return to work, and get his much needed disability was just about to begin.
Please join us to see more about Bob and others on November 22nd, 2-6pm, at the Film Tech School, 2019 S. Juniper St, Philadelphia.

Connie's story

After a quick brushing off, Connie Farrell looks into her mothers old, yet newly mischievous, gold compact. Despite her tucking it away in a drawer, the compact has mysteriously found its way out and into plain sight.
Earlier in her life, Connie's mother Catherine had always said that if she were ever to be diagnosed with cancer, she would not want treatment. Mother of nine, Catherine was a strong, regimented, positive woman, a sports enthusiast, and a devout Catholic believing that what God wanted is what's to be. When faced with the actuality of having cancer, Catherine thankfully changed her mind.
Showing no classic signs of Pancreatic Cancer besides weight loss, a which had been life long goal, Catherine was diagnosed August 3rd and passed away January 2nd, having held out long enough to enjoy one last holiday with her family.
Please join us November 22nd to find out more about Catherine's fight, and her family's legacy and many more stories, please join us November 22nd at the Film Tech School, 2019 S. Juniper St. in Philadelphia, 2-6pm.