Dr. Jonathan Brody

“It’s an amazing, intellectual puzzle that I want to solve”.

The puzzle Dr. Brody refers to is Pancreatic Cancer, which he and his team at Jefferson Hospital have recently been acknowledged for in their efforts to put more pieces on the table.

The American Cancer Society and the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network have just awarded Dr. Brody with considerable funding primarily for his “HuR” work.

Dr. Brody’s journey into the world of Pancreatic Cancer began in music. A percussionist in his youth, Jonathan went to college on a music scholarship. As these years went by, he realized that a career in music was few and far between, and decided to shift gears. He chose to go to graduate school for a PhD, and actually skip medical school.

“It felt unacceptable to me to tell patients that they have five months to live, and that’s it”. By going into the research department, he felt he could do more by figuring out ways to cure the disease, as opposed to treating the patients after the fact.

After his schooling was completed, he was recruited by Dr. Yeo at Jefferson in Philadelphia to join his team.

His current work can be explained most easily the way he explains it himself, in an analogy to a car.

Dr. Brody compares a Pancreatic Cancer cell to a driver in a car for his HuR work. Basically, a Pancreatic Cancer cell utilizes an HuR pathway to survive, much like a driver would use an airbag to survive in an accident.

(In our analysis, the driver is bad, and we want him to be killed in the accident. Remember, the driver is a bad pancreatic cancer cell, so don’t feel bad!)

This work is finding a way to eliminate the HuR in patients depending on their particular status and thus give the cancer cells less of a chance to survive.

This work is only being researched at Jefferson Hospital, but these doctors have a community of researchers at MIT, Johns Hopkins, Georgetown and more.

Dr. Brody prefers to take his work from “bench to bedside” regarding trials. This skips the animal testing phase when possible, and starts helping patients right out of the lab almost.

Dr. Brody points our that there are a number of variables as to why Pancreatic Cancer progress may seem slower than other research and cure potential:

1) Of course, funding. Despite this disease affecting over 80,000 people a year, it only received 2% of the funds allotted for cancer research.

2) Early detection strategies are not prominent. There isn’t a tell tale test that can diagnose at stage one, or earlier.

3) The turnover for survivors isn’t set in stone; meaning, we don’t always know they’re out there, and the public doesn’t know that they can survive.

Deep down, Dr. Brody is a do-gooder. For a second, he playfully explained his role in the pancreatic cancer world as him being “an investigator trying to solve a murder”.

Since coming to Jefferson, he has started to participate in some Pan Can events, and even gotten to know some of the survivors…a bit out of the ordinary for the lab team.

So who knows, if Mike Schmidt can end up in the Baseball Hall of Fame after going to college for basketball, then maybe a musician can cure cancer.

Jim's Story...

Jim as a whole is one of a kind. We could easily take one component of him and find a million of the same.
He's a successful business man. Not the only one on earth.
His business is his own. Surely we all know someone similar.
He's a family man. Ok, so are a lot of men.
He has dedicated a part of his business time to charity. Well, many do, in fact some are obligated.
The striking thing about Jim is a combination of the above, his modesty and his propensity to shift the credit to anyone but himself. His simplistic approach to making a difference is exemplified in his short answer to why he does what he does, "why not?"
Jim Barrett is the man in charge at Road Scholar Transport, a North Eastern Pennsylvania based trucking company that reaches as far as Arizona. He welcomed us to his cozy office, and pointed out some favorite photos and awards, which brought a smile to his face. Fully immersed in his industry, he even has stick shift grid cuff links.
.










Jim's role in the world of Pancreatic Cancer is not one of a patient, doctor or one who's lost a loved one to the disease. He helps raise awareness in a sort of passive aggressive manner. Passive in the sense that he himself isn't running up to you and telling facts and information. Aggressive in the sense of the mere size of his awareness medium.
For the past few years, Jim has been using his trucks as a gigantic multi-sided poster to gain attention for what he calls "the orphan causes". Wrapping an entire tractor trailer in the color of the cause along with it's logo and imagery, he sends his trucks around the country to casually get a cause in need to the forefront of your brain. When is the last time you were stuck in traffic with a tractor trailer and not noticed what was written on it??
"It's hard for these politicians to ignore an 80 ft billboard". It's hard for anyone to. Why did he decide on Pancreatic Cancer as one of the 16 plus "cause" trucks? Simply because of his communication with Taryn Jones, affiliate coordinator for the Scranton PanCan group.
He feels that decorating the trucks "gives a voice to the voiceless".
Jim's favorite book? The Little Engine that could.

Check back for more of Jim's story, or come to the "Cheers to a Cure" event at Whistles Bar in Scranton on Nov 13th to see others stories.

Mark's story...

Taryn and I met Mark a couple of weeks ago at his place of work, The East Mountain Inn. It was a dreary day with people shaking off umbrellas walking over to check into their rooms, and servers setting up an empty dining room waiting for their dinner guests to arrive.
Mark is the Executive Chef of this popular hotel, and offered to put on his "whites" for our interview and photo shoot.








Mark differs from most of the survivors we have met thus far. He's one of us. He's a child of the 70's, he may not have gone to the gym religiously, he's had a drink or two in his life and he loves animals. He works. He spends time doing what he likes.
Maybe this everyday man mentality provided him the casual strength to make it this far since his diagnosis. Never stopping for too long, you'd think he had just beat the common cold as opposed to one of the most deadly cancers.



Check back for more of Mark's story, or come out to the Cheers to a Cure event in Scranton, Nov. 13th at Whistles. We may host a second event in Philadelphia as well.

On the horizon....

Taryn and I have some wonderful things happening for "A Face to the Name". First, we have been invited to a symposium at Jefferson Hospital in Center City Philadelphia by Dr Charles Yeo. He will actually mention us from the stage, and include our information in the packet handed out to attendees.
Second, we will be showing the ongoing project at an awareness event in Scranton, PA. This is one of Taryn's events, named "Cheers to a Cure". This is a happy hour hosted by Whistles bar.
Lastly, NBC 10 Philadelphia has shown interest in our project. Thanks to our late friend Andrea Corey, her sister and Renee Chanault-Fattah have started looking for a location for a possible exhibit in Philadelphia, and possibly show our story as a news feature.
More stories to come soon!
Thank you all!!

Share Your Story With Us

A Face to the Name: Personal Journeys of Pancreatic Cancer Photo Exhibition was launched by photographer Eileen Jantz and advocate Taryn Jones after being touched by pancreatic cancer. The goal of the exhibit is to share the stories of pancreatic cancer patients, family members, care-givers and health professionals who have been touched by the disease, through black and white photography. Connecting the beauty of photographs to raise awareness about the impact pancreatic cancer has had on the lives of thousands of individuals each year, the exhibit will premier in Scranton this November (Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month) with hopes to travel throughout different communities throughout 2010-2011.

Photos will be highlighted at the Cheers! To a Cure event in Scranton on November 13th!

We are currently accepting submissions from people in the Philadelphia and Scranton areas who are interested in being featured for 2010's Pancreatic Cancer Awarness Month. We are also seeking individuals or businesses who may be interested in hosting the exhibition in 2010. To learn more or to share your story please e-mail Taryn Jones or Eileen Jantz at
touchedbypc@gmail.com

Please note: All photos will be tastefully presented, subject-sensitive with a photojournalism approach. All photos will be displayed in black and white photography with accompanying descriptions of each subject's personal story. We are looking for subjects to tell the story of the following: Patient, Daughter, Son, Spouse, Health Professional, Friend etc.

Dr. Weijing Sun

During a visit to the Perelman Center at the University of Pennsylvania with a Pancreatic Cancer survivor, Dr. Weijing Sun reviewed bloodwork and shared some of his thoughts on the disease. He has a shy, sweet sense of humor which exudes modesty from such an accomplished doctor. Sun is the Director of G.I. oncology at Penn.
Dr. Sun regretfully admitted that there is no good screening for Pancreatic Cancer. He felt that at this point, we are unable to set definite parameters or guidelines regarding when, why and who should be screened, and furthermore, how.
A regular ultrasound has no clear ruling for pancreatic cancer, and thus, an Endoscopic Ultrasound may be the most accurate test according to Sun.
His perfect blend of a simple sense of humor, and straightforward medical fact make any news have a glimmer of hope.

John T.'s story

Diagnosed in May of 2008, John is finishing up his treatment of post surgery chemotherapy. His journey began in the summer of 2007 when he experienced abdominal pain and lost 20 lbs. He found himself at Thomas Jefferson Hospital and was diagnosed with Pancreatic Cancer. He first underwent a mini-Whipple with Dr. Yeo, which unfortunately didn’t work. He eventually returned and had to have the full Whipple procedure.
Since getting sick, John has lost 110 lbs. The weight loss was a huge adjustment. John realized the true depth of how his life had changed forever when his weight change dictated he get rid of 5 closets worth of clothing.
Hailing from New York, this man who’s not even in his 50’s yet has found good in his situation.
He has adjusted to the routine of treatment, and has a keen eye for what can be done. “We’re dying to get in here.” He has noticed that not only are the infusion centers overbooked and nearly impossible to get an appointment, but the doctors are spread too thin. Another common issue is that there isn’t always information readily available about Pancreatic Cancer once you’ve been diagnosed.
“Age shouldn’t be a factor for this anymore.” John thinks that the old standards of who is at risk for Pancreatic Cancer are now outdated.
“I want more time out of life, I don’t think that’s too much to ask.”
Soft spoken but strong willed, John is sure to point out that he doesn’t like to feel sorry for himself, and he’d like to start volunteering for events soon.
“I have to give back the time I’ve earned.”

***********************
Sadly, John has lost his fight with Pancreatic Cancer. John had a sweet, straightforward, insightful nature; and it was an absolute honor to have heard his story and to have spent even a small amount of time with him.
Taryn and Eileen are grateful to have met you John. You will be missed.
Thank you so much.
A page is his memory has been set up on Facebook.
http://www.facebook.com/#!/group.php?gid=115048701862556

Bob E.'s Story

Bob’s journey with Pancreatic Cancer began ironically enough on vacation. After experiencing discomfort during trips to Arizona and Hawaii, Bob went to the doctor to try to find the cause. It wasn’t until a 45 lb drop in weight and a trip to Jefferson Hospital when he was told he has a mass. Initially believed to be benign, he later found out the opposite.
Bob was told he was inoperable because of the way his tumor had grown, and the best advice they could give him was “pray, pray, pray”.
His only option was chemotherapy and radiation. Even with the both he only had a 5% chance of surviving.
Then, a miracle happened. Dr. Mitchell, chief oncologist at Jefferson told him, “We’re gonna do this”’ Bob was a candidate!
Initially going in for a mini-Whipple with Dr. Yeo, and ending up having the full procedure, Bob made it through.
“I think that Jefferson is the place to be for Pancreatic Cancer”, noted Terri Edwards, Bob’s wife.
Bob continued to work as a mailman throughout his endeavor. Sometimes the people on his route would let him come in and take a nap if they could tell he wasn’t feeling too great. “I found out that there’s a lot of good people out there”.
His own positivity and support from his family proved to keep him going.
From being diagnosed as inoperable to standing alongside his wife after this interview, Bob is a glaring reason as to why Pancreatic Cancer needs more funding and awareness, because people can survive it.

*****UPDATE*****
We are sad to share the news that Bob has lost his fight with Pancreatic Cancer. He passed away July 16th, 2010. He will be missed. Taryn and myself offer our deepest condolences and gratitude to Bob and wife Terri for their openness, positivity and support. We'd be honored to offer the same.

Dr. Charles J. Yeo

At 7am on the dot a tall, slender man unlocks the glass door to his office at Thomas Jefferson Hospital. A slight sense of intimidation is washed away by his welcoming handshake and smile. His personal room within his office section sits to the back, and the walls have nearly run out of room for all of his certificates and degrees.
Dr. Charles J. Yeo is a hero to a very select group of patients. He is the Samuel D. Gross Professor and Chairman of the Department of Surgery at Jefferson Medical College of Thomas Jefferson University. His medical accomplishments and dedication span states and decades, and he is with us now, in Philadelphia, PA.
“My parents wanted me to be a priest”, he mentioned, looking up from his coffee cup. For a man with so little time, and so many things to be proud of, it was borderline impossible to get him to talk about himself. He stays focused on what can be done future tense to fight Pancreatic Cancer.
"In order to work with cancers like pancreas cancer, you have to hate Cancer. I hate Cancer. Dealing with cancer is a battle and you have to be willing to go to war."
Dr. Yeo has led the battle via Whipple surgery himself over 900 times, and scrubbed in over 1,200.
How do we fight this cancer before we even know we have it? There is no certain answer, but there are some things we could do without according to the doctor: tobacco and fast food. These two common evils reek havoc on our bodies.
A major issue for patients outside of an affluent metropolitan area with up to date medical facilities is travel. “You’d think we were asking them to come to Mars”.
Dr. Yeo pointed out that while many people may get their surgery in Philadelphia, they then stay closer to home where the medical resources and care are not as up to date. Is it for convenience? Comfort level? Financial strain? Every person is different, but Dr. Yeo insists that doctors everywhere must stay up to date in order to fight this cancer together.
Dedication to moving forward, learning more about this terrible disease and most importantly, getting everyone on the same page is what Dr. Yeo strives for. He selflessly works to find the greater good, and hopefully one day, a cure.