Remembering a Family Matriarch Who Sparked Purple Pansies with Maria Fundora

Maria Fundora founded the nonprofit, Purple Pansies in 2008 following her mother’s death from pancreatic cancer. She felt called to raise awareness and crucial research dollars for this chronically underfunded but deadly cancer. To date, Purple Pansies has raised over $4 Million to fund research through TGen and aid affected families. The mission of Purple Pansies is to raise funds for research, clinical trials, and early detection, and to aid families in the community who have a family member suffering from pancreatic cancer and financially can use their help.

✨A few highlights from the show:

1. Pancreatic cancer is sometimes called a “silent” disease because symptoms are rarely noticeable in its early stages. If symptoms are present, they are often vague and can be easy to ignore.

2. A few symptoms: abdominal or mid-back pain, change in stool, digestive problems such as gas and bloating, and several others.

3. Pancreatic cancer awareness month is in November.

4. Pansies are resilient flowers. The root grows strong all winter and they grow during the worst of times in the winter. Hence, Purple Pansies. 

5. Don't be afraid to get a second opinion when you or a loved one are diagnosed with cancer and trying to determine the best treatment options.

6. Maria has a couple of goals that she could use your help with.

 a. Expand the Purple Pansies Board. She is looking for volunteers to be on the Board and chair committees to help Purple Pansies become a national footprint.

b. Develop an early detection test for pancreatic cancer.

🟣c.  A very personal goal of Maria's is to have a major sports team wear purple during the month of November and have a major team be a part of the Board. #MNVikings #MNLynx #MNTimberwolves #MNTwins

💜🌺Learn more about Purple Pansies and Maria's work:

Website:  https://purplepansies.org/

Restuarant:  https://www.casanuovarestaurant.com/

tgen: https://www.tgen.org/

🦄About Me:

In 2011, I was diagnosed with Hodgkin's Lymphoma, out of the blue. I did not have any prior health concerns or issues. Fast forward, the dreaded cancer diagnosis opened my eyes, introduced me to my purpose, and lead me to where I am today. 

As a Cancer Doula, I use my 11 years of experience with cancer to support and guide others diagnosed with cancer. Many people are not familiar with what a cancer doula is. Think of me as your personal guide and patient advocate. Schedule a 30-minute Meet and Greet call to learn more. https://bit.ly/OTOSDiscovery

Learn more about On the Other Side at https://www.ontheotherside.life/. Connect with me on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/talayadendy/), or sign up for my bi-weekly newsletter (https://bit.ly/OTOSNewsletter) to get information and resources related to cancer. 

Visit: https://www.ontheotherside.life/navigating-cancer-together-podcast

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Thanks for joining us on today's episode of the Navigating Cancer TOGETHER podcast!

Disclaimer: The information on this podcast is for general informational purposes only and SHOULD NOT be relied upon as a substitute for sound professional medical advice, evaluation, or care from your physician or other qualified health care provider. 

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