Today we’d like to introduce you to Jim Rolfe.
Jim, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
The Rolfe Pancreatic Cancer Foundation began in 1999, when the friends and family of Michael Rolfe, my father, moved by his brief and brave battle with pancreatic cancer, resolved to ensure that future diagnoses of pancreatic cancer wouldn’t be the grim sentence that his was. What began in a Highland Park living room as a small, community effort has grown into a formidable institution dedicated to eradicating pancreatic cancer, and supporting patients and their loves ones. Those who have been diagnosed, or have had a family member diagnosed with pancreatic cancer understand: it’s personal. Pancreatic cancer comes with little warning, and the timeframe from diagnosis to death is often very short, creating a life-altering impact on survivors and families. Today, the Rolfe Pancreatic Foundation works toward accomplishing our goals, powered by an executive staff, an engaged and energetic board, and the passion of our numerous supporters.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
In 2016, the Foundation underwent a 3-5-year strategic plan. One of the questions that we grappled with was how could our charitable dollars have the greatest impact on increasing awareness of pancreatic cancer. After much thought and after speaking with several scientists, we decided that while our mission will remain constant, there is a big impact opportunity to focus on high-risk families. Scientists tell us that anywhere from 5 to 20 percent of pancreatic cancers are familial, and significant progress is being made in familial pancreatic cancer research. Our strategic plan framework now includes media awareness, research initiatives, physician/caregiver education and patient/family support – all focused on familial pancreatic cancer. We also recently launched a public awareness campaign in 10 Midwest states: The “Pancreatic Cancer: It’s Personal – Know Your Family, Know Your Risk” campaign’s goals are as follows: to increase awareness of pancreatic cancer; educate the public that early detection can significantly impact survival rates; encourage individuals to discover diseases in their family history so they can understand their genetic risks; and drive anyone with a family history of pancreatic cancer to discuss risk factors with a genetic counselor or physician.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about The Rolfe Pancreatic Cancer Foundation – what should we know?
The Rolfe Pancreatic Cancer Foundation’s mission is to serve as a catalyst for the early diagnosis and ultimate cure of pancreatic cancer. In 2017, more than 54,000 Americans will be diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, for which research is highly underfunded. It’s also not always easy to find information about pancreatic cancer, but we are a link to people and places for answers about this disease. We work hard to combat pancreatic cancer by raising money to advance the development of early detection, fund medical research at leading clinical and academic centers, connect patients to physicians, introduce family members to support groups, and arm patients and their loved ones with information they may not have at their immediate disposal.
In addition, earlier this year we developed new, easy-to-use online tools to “Know Your Family” and “Know Your Risk.” Found at www.KnowMyRisk.org, the web tools are designed to assist individuals in understanding his or her family history and to help determine personal risk factors for the disease. With a mere seven percent five-year survival rate for pancreatic cancer, early detection is crucial to significantly impacting survival rates.
For your readers looking to get involved, our Young Professionals Board (YPB) raises awareness of pancreatic cancer among other individuals in their twenties and thirties through a series of yearly events and fundraising initiatives. Since its inception, YPB has worked to raise awareness of pancreatic cancer and welcome an entirely new world of supporters into the Rolfe family. We are always interested in receiving new members, and are happy to welcome fresh faces, ideas and energy. If you want to get involved – we want to hear from you. We also host one-of-a-kind events to increase awareness of pancreatic cancer and raise money to fund cutting-edge early detection research. Whether you’re joining us for glamour and games at a stylish celebration like Speak Out for a Cure: A Night at the Speakeasy, or learning more about breakthroughs in the field at one of our educational Symposiums, your support is powering the path to a cure. We hope to see you soon!
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
My father, Michael Rolfe, was my role model who taught me the value of personal relationships and being able to show empathy and care towards others. Certainly, the founding members of the Foundation, many of who were my father’s closest friends, deserve a lot of credit for helping us not only create but continue to grow, the Foundation. Our generous donors, committed board members and our passionate staff have also contributed to our overall success.
Contact Info:
- Address: 4809 North Ravenswood, Suite 326, Chicago, Illinois 60640
- Website: http://www.rolfefoundation.org/
- Phone: 773-989-1108
- Email: info@rolfefoundation.org
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