An unexpected life event propelled Jennifer Cingolani Allison into learning about Pancreatic Cancer. Her father, Aldo Cingolani, had what he believed to be stomach trouble. His health began to decline. Doctors found cancer.
“I lost my father after a short - two month - battle,” Allison said, explaining that pancreatic cancer is masked or disguised as something else. For her father, he had been ill and began a downward spiral health wise within a couple of weeks of feeling ill.
Doctors thought it was a bile duct and operated, only to fi nd Stage 4 Pancreatic Cancer. Two weeks later, he was undergoing chemotherapy. Two months later, he was dead.
Her father was just 65 and about to retire. He died Sept. 19, 2012, just two months after being diagnosed.
“He fought it with dignity and the community rallied to support him,” she said, saying her father was known in the community(McGehee, Ark.) as the Italian Cowboy banker. “He wore a hat and boots to work every day. “
Allison began research pancreatic cancer. What she learned was not promising. She said pancreatic cancer is projected to be the No. 2 killer by 2020 and said there is only a six percent survival rate five years after diagnosis.
“I learned about online trials.
I found a local chapter and got involved with a support/volunteer group. I spread the word,” she said. Ironically, her father’s birthday was Nov. 2 and Pancreatic Awareness Month isNovember. That fi rst year, the wounds were too fresh to spread the word about the cancer. But, this year, Allison is trying to get the word out. She met with Pea Ridge Mayor Jackie Crabtree with a proclamation denoting November as Pancreatic Awareness Month in Pea Ridge. Shehelped host a Cowboy Up for a Cure day in McGehee including a trail ride and other events.
“I knew I had to do something. I started in my hometown,” she said.
The oldest of four daughters, Allison said the tendency for pancreatic cancer is inherited and several of her father’s family members had some form of cancer. But, she said, there is no known factor leading to the onset of the disease and no early detection.
“It’s known as the silent killer,” Allison said.
To donate or learn more, go to www.pancan.org, Allison said.
News, Pages 1 on 11/13/2013