WINGS OF HOPE FOR PANCREATIC CANCER RESEARCH - EVENTS

Wings of Hope for Pancreatic Cancer Research

NOVEMBER 2023

‘LIGHT UP HOPE’ at DENVER BOTANIC GARDENS A SOLD-OUT SUCCESS

Thank you to all who initiated our first ‘Light Up Hope’ special event at the Denver Botanic Gardens on a perfectly beautiful, moonlit night. Attendees gathered in Gates Hall where they enjoyed food, drinks, and heard from Drs. Rich Schulick, Marco Del Chiaro, Sana Karam, and Wells Messersmith on the impact Wings of Hope is having on the pancreatic research taking place at the CU Cancer Center, expressing their gratitude to the generosity of those supporters in attendance. The crowd then gradually dispersed to enjoy the spectacular Blossoms of Light display throughout the gardens. Based on the enormously positive feedback, Wings of Hope plans to make this an annual event every November, national pancreatic cancer awareness month.

2023 WoH Botanical Gardens Event

2023 WoH Botanical Gardens Event

2023 WoH Botanical Gardens Event

2023 WoH Botanical Gardens Event

2023 WoH Botanical Gardens Event

2023 WoH Botanical Gardens Event

2023 WoH Botanical Gardens Event

2023 WoH Botanical Gardens Event

2023 WoH Botanical Gardens Event

2023 WoH Botanical Gardens Event

2023 WoH Botanical Gardens Event

2023 WoH Botanical Gardens Event

2023 WoH Botanical Gardens Event

2023 WoH Botanical Gardens Event

2023 WoH Botanical Gardens Event

2023 WoH Botanical Gardens Event

2023 WoH Botanical Gardens Event

2023 WoH Botanical Gardens Event

2023 WoH Botanical Gardens Event

2023 WoH Botanical Gardens Event

2023 WoH Botanical Gardens Event

2023 WoH Botanical Gardens Event

2023 WoH Botanical Gardens Event

2023 WoH Botanical Gardens Event

2023 WoH Botanical Gardens Event

2023 WoH Botanical Gardens Event

2023 WoH Botanical Gardens Event

2023 WoH Botanical Gardens Event

2023 WoH Botanical Gardens Event

2023 WoH Botanical Gardens Event

OCTOBER 2023

EXCLUSIVE DAVID YURMAN EVENT TO BENEFIT WINGS OF HOPE A HUGE SUCCESS

2023 David Yurman event for Wings of Hope for Pancreatic Cancer Research

Mindy D’Angelo of DAVID YURMAN, WINGS of HOPE founder Maureen Shul, and Felecia Knight of DAVID YURMAN

Thank you to the great staff at DAVID YURMAN of Cherry Creek and the generous crowd who attended a two hour champagne and hors d’Oeuvres reception to benefit WINGS OF HOPE. As one of the most successful events held at their Cherry Creek store, a percentage of the nearly $80k spent at DAVID YURMAN on October 26 will be donated to WINGS OF HOPE to fund pancreatic cancer research at the University of Colorado Cancer Center. Thank you to the staff at DAVID YURMAN, the wonderfully generous supporters who attended, and all who called in or made purchases online to be part of this effort.

2023 David Yurman event for Wings of Hope for Pancreatic Cancer Research

2023 David Yurman event for Wings of Hope for Pancreatic Cancer Research

2023 David Yurman event for Wings of Hope for Pancreatic Cancer Research

2023 David Yurman event for Wings of Hope for Pancreatic Cancer Research

SEPTEMBER 2023

Evening of Hope raises $50,000 to support pancreatic cancer research at the CU Cancer Center

Study linking radiation and immunotherapy to begin human efficacy trials in October

2023 City Park 5K run/walk for pancreatic cancer research

The annual Evening of Hope held on Sept. 8 was yet another successful night to celebrate courage and support Wings of Hope for Pancreatic Cancer Research. More than $50,000 was raised to support the groundbreaking work taking place at the University of Colorado Cancer Center.

Most exciting was the announcement that one of the fast-moving, Wings of Hope-supported projects will start its first-phase human efficacy trials in October. A peer-reviewed analysis of the study’s experimental treatment that combines radiation and immunotherapy was published earlier this year by the medical journal Cancer Cell.

“This is about fighting the fight for our patients. We have to eradicate it.” Dr. Sana Karam, the lead researcher, told the sold-out audience of Wings of Hope supporters. “The only way to advance science, to advance trials and to cure cancer is through rigorous research that can move the needle. That’s why we need you. So help us to continue to fight the fight.”

Highly targeted radiation is increasingly seen as a strategic medicine to trigger an immune response in the pancreas. Karam, a radiation oncologist, describes the therapy as less a frontal assault on the cancer than a preventative vaccine working against the stubborn, recurring cancer cells.

In Karam’s animal studies, many of the mice injected with pancreatic cancer cells lived more than five times longer than those receiving no therapy. In the later human trials that tested safety only, the targeted radiation was well tolerated by its 18 patients.

Seed funding for the early stages of research came from one of three $50,000 grants awarded in 2019 by Wings of Hope that fund ongoing pancreatic cancer research at the CU Cancer Center at the Anschutz Medical Campus in Aurora.

Such successes in the Wings of Hope community have slowly garnered the attention of the larger world of cancer research.

Among the other speakers this year was five-year survivor Cathy Noon, a former Centennial mayor, who was recently asked to become a “consumer reviewer” for the U.S. Defense Department’s veteran-centered cancer-research program. Maureen Shul, the founder of Wings of Hope, who lost two family members to pancreatic cancer, will participate as a “caregiver reviewer” in the same program.

“I want to say congratulations to Wings of Hope, to Maureen and to all of you for getting us where we are today,” Noon told the audience. “We just keep taking those baby steps and they keep turning into bigger and bigger ones.”

5k walk/run for pancreatic cancer research 2022

5k walk/run for pancreatic cancer research 2022

5k walk/run for pancreatic cancer research 2022

5k walk/run for pancreatic cancer research 2022

5k walk/run for pancreatic cancer research 2022

5k walk/run for pancreatic cancer research 2022

5k walk/run for pancreatic cancer research 2022

Wings of Hope volunteer Laurie Jokerest and Wings of Hope founder Maureen Shul

5k walk/run for pancreatic cancer research 2022

Wings of Hope volunteer Sherri Sturm and featured entertainer Hazel Miller

5k walk/run for pancreatic cancer research 2022

Kim Hoffman and Maureen Shul

5k walk/run for pancreatic cancer research 2022


5k walk/run for pancreatic cancer research 2022

Chip Coppola, Maureen Shul, Debbie Coppola

5k walk/run for pancreatic cancer research 2022

Speakers Daniel LaBarbera and Natalie Serkova

5k walk/run for pancreatic cancer research 2022

Dr. Sana Karam

5k walk/run for pancreatic cancer research 2022

Former City of Centennial mayor and 5 year survivor Cathy Noon

5k walk/run for pancreatic cancer research 2022

Auctioneer Gary Corbett and artist Topher Straus

5k walk/run for pancreatic cancer research 2022

Lane Roberts and Maureen Shul

5k walk/run for pancreatic cancer research 2022


5k walk/run for pancreatic cancer research 2022

Maureen Shul, Linda Michow

5k walk/run for pancreatic cancer research 2022

Cheryl Meguid, Dr. Sana Karam, Dr. Wells Messersmith

5k walk/run for pancreatic cancer research 2022

Nicole and Marc Kleiner, Maureen Shul

5k walk/run for pancreatic cancer research 2022


5k walk/run for pancreatic cancer research 2022

Volunteers Karoline Hood, Doug Fox, Marty Dickerson

5k walk/run for pancreatic cancer research 2022


5k walk/run for pancreatic cancer research 2022


5k walk/run for pancreatic cancer research 2022


2023 UPCOMING EVENTS

November 4, 2023

JOIN US FOR THE ANNUAL CITY PARK RUN/WALK FOR PANCREATIC CANCER RESEARCH

2023 City Park 5K run/walk for pancreatic cancer research

Proceeds from this event help support the CU Division of Surgical Oncology in their commitment to provide cutting-edge surgical care for pancreatic cancer patients. Their research and discovery include intrepid treatment algorithms, novel diagnostic techniques, and vital surveillance plans. This event seeks to directly fund supplies, data, analytics, and publication of this research as well as raise awareness and bring hope.

2023 KINGSBURY OPEN

From Lisa Kingsbury Goodman, founder of the Kingsbury Open:

Since 2015, the mission of the Kingsbury Open is to pay tribute to those we have lost to Pancreatic Cancer, and to give hope to individuals and families that are battling this horrific disease. Celebrating the game we love, The Kingsbury Open is about making memories and birdies golfing with our friends, colleagues and loved ones.

The Kingsbury Open is a partner with Wings of Hope for Pancreatic Cancer Research, a local nonprofit organization dedicated to raising awareness and funding for pancreatic cancer research in the effort to find more effective treatments and improve outcomes. We think there is no better way to raise money than by spending the afternoon with friends at a beautiful Colorado Golf Course.

The event is founded and dedicated in loving memory to my dad Thomas P. Kingsbury who was a scratch golfer and someone who found serious joy in playing with found balls. Tom believed a golfer was not defined by his or her equipment or the course he or she played, but by their passion for the game and a desire to continue to improve. A real stickler for the rules, he was a purist. Tom had a natural swing, never tried too hard, but still hit the ball a mile. He was a genuine teacher of the game and I learned every bit of my game from him. Tom was diagnosed with Pancreatic Cancer in February of 2007. Throughout treatment he stayed on the course. As fatigue set in, he surrendered to riding in a cart when he would normally walk. In August of 2007, my dad played his last round of golf, it was only 9 holes. He passed away two weeks later.

Every time we golf we think about Tom and know he is with us; from tee to green. We hope you will join us to honor his memory and to lend a hand to this important cause.

Kingsbury Open 2023

Kingsbury Open 2023

Kingsbury Open 2023

Kingsbury Open 2023

Kingsbury Open 2023

Kingsbury Open 2023

Kingsbury Open 2023

NOVEMBER 5, 2022

CITY PARK 5K RUN/WALK for PANCREATIC CANCER RESEARCH

I CAN SIDELINE PANCREATIC CANCER” SYMPOSIUM

I CAN SIDELINE PANCREATIC CANCER” SYMPOSIUM

Over 525 people braved the early hour and bitter cold to participate in the 2022 City Park 5K Run/Walk for Pancreatic Cancer Research at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus. Powered by the CU Cancer Center and the Division of Surgical Oncology, WINGS OF HOPE was proud to be a part of this incredible morning where staff, patients, doctors, families, runners, walkers, survivors, and surgeons connected, ran and walked together for a purpose meaningful to all of them. Huge thanks to Cathy and Jim Noon and Evie for being such incredible ambassadors for WINGS OF HOPE and giving their entire morning to this event. Thanks also to Jonathan Radin who claims he doesn’t know what he’s doing most of the time, but makes it happen better than anyone. The planning is already underway to make next year’s event bigger, better, and a lot warmer.

5k walk/run for pancreatic cancer research 2022

Cathy Noon and Maureen Shul

5k walk/run for pancreatic cancer research 2022

Jim Noon, Evie, Cathy Noon

5k walk/run for pancreatic cancer research 2022

Allison, Jack and Grace Krebs

5k walk/run for pancreatic cancer research 2022

Good morning, good crowd, and a lot of good dogs

5k walk/run for pancreatic cancer research 2022

Finishing the race

5k walk/run for pancreatic cancer research 2022

Cathy Noon, Dr. Marco del Chiaro

5k walk/run for pancreatic cancer research 2022

Dr. Marco del Chiaro crosses the finish line

5k walk/run for pancreatic cancer research 2022

Dr. Christine Cenciarelli and Dr. Richard Schulick
finish the run

5k walk/run for pancreatic cancer research 2022

5k walk/run for pancreatic cancer research 2022

5k walk/run for pancreatic cancer research 2022

5k walk/run for pancreatic cancer research 2022

Sunrise at City Park

NOVEMBER 3, 2022

KENDRA SCOTT GIVEBACK FUNDRAISER

Thank you to everyone who braved the first measurable snow of the season to attend the fundraising event at Kendra Scott in Park Meadows where a portion of all purchases made this evening will go to WINGS OF HOPE. Special thanks to the great team at Kendra Scott who did everything possible to make the evening such an enjoyable success.

Kendra Scott Event 2022Some of the wonderful people who stopped by Kendra Scott in support of WINGS OF HOPE: Ann Adams, Amy Mitchell, Maureen Shul, Susan Squyer, Cindy York

OCTOBER 22, 2022

WINGS OF HOPE LANDS IN BOSTON

AN EVENING OF HOPE BOSTON 2022

Featured speaker SR-71 Pilot Brian Shul, WINGS OF HOPE founder Maureen Shul, and event auctioneer Gary Corbett

WINGS OF HOPE FOR PANCREATIC CANCER RESEARCH presented an ‘Evening of Hope’ at Constitution Wharf in Boston to benefit the pancreatic cancer research program at Massachusetts General Hospital. At the invitation of Dr. Colin Weekes, Director, Medical Oncology Research for Pancreatic Cancer at MGH, WINGS OF HOPE founder Maureen Shul worked with the exceptional staff at MGH Development Office for several months to ensure the evening was an enjoyable success in bringing together physicians, researchers, patients, families and staff to create community with those involved and impacted by this disease. After opening remarks, Maureen Shul spoke to the reasons for the WINGS OF HOPE non profit organization and the necessity of maintaining hope through every facet of the disease and every funded research project. Auctioneer Gary Corbett was a hit with the crowd of New Englanders, followed by featured speaker SR-71 pilot Brian Shul whose remarks on the theme of never giving up in the face of insurmountable odds resonated deeply. “The evening was important in developing community in support of the MGH pancreatic cancer program,” stated Dr. Weekes, “and a unique opportunity for our patients and their families to engage with the combined clinical and research teams that form the foundation of our program.”

Wings of Hope 2022 boston Event

Wings of Hope 2022 boston Event

Wings of Hope 2022 boston Event

Wings of Hope 2022 boston EventDr. David Ryan and Dr. Carlos Fernandez-Del Castillo

Wings of Hope 2022 boston EventBrian Shul

Wings of Hope 2022 boston EventDr. Colin Weekes, Maureen Shul, Elizabeth Weekes

Wings of Hope 2022 boston EventDr. Colin Weekes and Maureen Shul

Wings of Hope 2022 boston EventRhonda Williams (National Pancreatic Cancer Foundation), Maureen Shul, Natalie Sabga (John E. Sabga Foundation for Pancreatic Cancer)

Wings of Hope 2022 boston EventIsabella Camelo, Meagan Coons, Brian Shul, Maureen Shul, Caroline Barrett, Leslie Ruchala

Wings of Hope 2022 boston EventBrian Shul, Kevin Barry, Maureen Shul

Wings of Hope 2022 boston EventMaureen Shul, Rhonda Williams

Wings of Hope 2022 boston EventBeautiful backdrop for an incredible evening

September 2022

Wings of Hope for Pancreatic Cancer Research marks its first decade at emotional gala

Wings of Hope 2022 Centennial Event

Please click here to read full article.

September 2022

Wings of Hope for Pancreatic Cancer Research marks its first decade at emotional gala

Colorado nonprofit has raised more than $2 million for the CU Cancer Center since 2012

The 10th anniversary of Wings of Hope for Pancreatic Cancer Research on Sept. 23 was truly an Evening of Hope as groundbreaking medical inquiry met inspiring stories of survival and resilience.

“The biggest hope I had [at last year’s event] was to make it another year and be able to attend today—and thank God, I am,” said Cathy Noon, a pancreatic cancer survivor and a former mayor of Centennial who participates in the Wings of Hope grant process.

Noon shared the stage with Melissa East, a 14-year survivor whose younger brother died of the same disease in 1999, leaving behind a widow and 6-year-old twins.

“Ultimately, pancreatic cancer research is about people,” she said. “People who need hope because they have things to do with their lives in this world—raising young twins, visiting the Amazon rainforest on a canoe, whatever can be dreamed.”

The 10th Evening of Hope was held at Exploration of Flight at Centennial Airport where the Wings were as literal as figurative. The keynote speaker was noted SR-71 pilot Brian Shul, who lost his mother and brother to pancreatic cancer within months of each other. His sister, Maureen, founded Wings of Hope a decade ago as a way to make sense of their tragic losses.

“I had to find a way to give meaning to what was unspeakable,” she told the audience of Wings of Hope supporters who have in total donated more than $2 million to support groundbreaking medical research at the University of Colorado Cancer Center. “Everything that’s been done these last few years, everything that has been accomplished, could not have happened without the support and generosity of so many of you.”

Richard Schulick, M.D., director of the CU Cancer Center, the research organization that is the recipient of the funding, stressed the importance of the vigilant battle made possible by Wings of Hope.

“Pancreatic cancer is a beast,” he said. “This year, 60,000 Americans will be newly diagnosed … and 42,000 will pass away. It’s the third leading cause of cancer death in the United States.”

Not that there isn’t reason for hope to take flight.

“I consider it a true privilege to meet with [patients and families],” Schulick said, “to help design a plan to take care of them, cure some of them, but help every one.”

On the bright and hopeful side, the five-year survival rate for pancreatic cancer has risen from a meager 4% back when Schulick was a medical intern to greater than 40% today. The difference can be largely attributed to the range of medical investigations that take place every day at CU Cancer Center and other state-of-the-art facilities around the world.

“Research can be the key to moving forward,” explained Carlo Marchetti, Ph.D., a Wings of Hope grant recipient who serves as a research professor at CU’s Anschutz Medical Campus. “Research depends on your support.”

The groundbreaking Wings of Hope-supported trials have included the detailed testing of new drugs and treatments—ideas that may have sat dormant on notepads without the necessary funding that came with the launch of Wings of Hope 10 years ago.

“Within a short period of time, a lot of data was produced and we’re moving forward—and that wouldn’t be possible without Wings of Hope,” said Todd Pitts, a grant recipient who serves as director of CU’s GI Transitional Research Lab.

It is that kind of progress that Maureen Shul envisioned in 2012 when she founded Wings of Hope after discovering there to be a dearth of foundations solely dedicated to supporting pancreatic cancer research.

“After the tragedies in my own family, I learned very quickly that it was the research more than anything else that had an impact,” she said.

The name of the organization—with its natural metaphors for support and progress—took flight in a quite literal way as Shul made the difficult back-to-back plane trips to two family memorials. Those were the only two times that Shul had been seated directly adjacent a wing.

“The first was flying back from my brother’s funeral in Seattle. The second was flying back from my mother’s in St. Petersburg, Florida,” the Wings of Hope founder remembered. “It was just so surreal to stare out at that wing in the clouds for so long.”

The Wings of Hope name and logo were soon born.

A quote from South Africa’s Archbishop Desmond Tutu seemed to sum up the Wings of Hope mission and life-saving research in general, the founder said. “There comes a point where we need to stop pulling people out of the river. We need to go upstream and find out why they’re falling in.”

2022 Wings of Hope Centennial Event

2022 Wings of Hope Centennial Event

2022 Wings of Hope Centennial Event

2022 Wings of Hope Centennial Event

2022 Wings of Hope Centennial Event

2022 Wings of Hope Centennial Event

2022 Wings of Hope Centennial Event

2022 Wings of Hope Centennial Event

2022 Wings of Hope Centennial Event

2022 Wings of Hope Centennial Event

September 2022

10th Annual Evening of Hope for Pancreatic Cancer Research with SR-71 Pilot

An Evening of Hope With SR-71 Blackbird Pilot Brian Shul

Story and photos by Lisa Perry

Wings of Hope 2022 Centennial Event

Amid the congenial atmosphere and live-auction fun at the 10th annual Wings of Hope “Evening of Hope,” there were some serious facts about pancreatic cancer. There was also also a “wow” true story from SR-71 Blackbird pilot Brian Shul. But as the night went on, one thing stood out: Among this crowd, Maureen Shul is the emerging candidate for the next presidential election. After speakers praised the Wings of Hope founder and inaugural mayor of Castle Pines, they also mentioned what a great president she would be. When she took her turn at the podium, first she apologized for the event running long. Then, she deadpanned: “Volunteers, I’d like you all to stay late, after the event, and make sure everything is cleaned up for my presidential campaign meeting.”

On Friday, Sept. 23, around 300 supporters converged on Exploration of Flight Hangar at Centennial Airport, the ideal location for keynote speaker Brian Shul, retired USAF major and one of only 93 people to pilot the SR-71, the top-secret Blackbird–the world’s fastest, highest-flying aircraft ever built. Gary Corbett led a live auction of 17 quickly sold items. The evening’s other speakers were: Melissa East, 14-year pancreatic cancer survivor; Cathy Noon, former Centennial mayor and 4-year pancreatic cancer survivor; Carlo Marchetti, PhD, research assistant professor at CU Anschutz Medical Campus and Wings of Hope research grant recipient; Todd Pitts, director of the GI Translational Research Lab, associate professor at CU Anschutz Medical Campus and Wings of Hope research grant recipient; Richard Schulick, MD, MBA, director of the CU Cancer Center; and Maureen Shul.

One of the more sobering statistics of pancreatic cancer is the fact there are so few survivors of this disease to tell their story and advocate for increased research. Founded in 2012 by Maureen Shul after losing her mother Blanche and brother Victor, Wings of Hope for Pancreatic Cancer Research is a non-profit foundation dedicated to raising awareness and funding for pancreatic cancer research and programs at the University of Colorado Cancer Center. In February 2013, Wings of Hope and the cancer center entered into a partnership, with both entities combining efforts to have the CU Cancer Center become the regional hub and national destination for pancreatic cancer research.

The foundation’s focused effort not only helps better define priorities, but also makes a definitive statement about the critical urgency and need for pancreatic cancer research to continue at an accelerated pace. An all-volunteer effort, Wings of Hope has raised approximately $2 million, all of which has been provided to the CU Cancer Center in the form of grants to fund pancreatic cancer research. For more information about Wings of Hope, go to: WingsofHopePCR.org. To learn more about CU Cancer Center, visit: https://medschool.cuanschutz.edu/colorado-cancer-center

Wings of Hope 2022 Centennial Event(l to r): Maureen Shul, Rick and Judy Kleiner, and Maureen’s brother
and SR-71 pilot Brian Shul

Wings of Hope 2022 Centennial Event(l to r): Katie Wiktor, Director of CU Cancer Center Richard Schulick, Brian Shul, Maureen Shul and Arek Wiktor

Wings of Hope 2022 Centennial EventMaureen Shul (left), with Jennifer Miller

Wings of Hope 2022 Centennial EventBrother-sister Brian Shul and Maureen Shul…Brian piloted the SR-71 Blackbird and Maureen is the founder of Wings of Hope for Pancreatic Cancer Research

Wings of Hope 2022 Centennial EventCheryl and Rob Meguid

Wings of Hope 2022 Centennial EventThe Miller family (l to r): Greg and Jennifer, with daughters Keaton (center) and Vaughn

Wings of Hope 2022 Centennial EventTable 1 folks in the hangar

Wings of Hope 2022 Centennial Event(l to r): Edie Marks, Director of CU Cancer Center Richard Schulick and wife Cristina Cenciarelli

Wings of Hope 2022 Centennial EventAuctioneer Gary Corbett (right), with Ethan and Nancy Feldman

Wings of Hope 2022 Centennial Event(l to r): Benjamin and Jennifer Veloso, Maci Lessar and Tim Sherman

Wings of Hope 2022 Centennial EventLucas (left) and Logan Turner

Wings of Hope 2022 Centennial EventMike Fronapfel and Maureen Shul

Wings of Hope 2022 Centennial Event(l to r): William Wood, artist Topher Straus, Linda Summers and Sam Hankin

Wings of Hope 2022 Centennial EventThey’re all cousins!

Wings of Hope 2022 Centennial EventColin Daugherty (left) with Nathaniel Romero

Wings of Hope 2022 Centennial Event(l to r): Jay and Jill Clark, Jerri and Russ McGrane

Wings of Hope 2022 Centennial EventGuests enjoyed the Colorado mountain sunset with their dinner.

Wings of Hope 2022 Centennial EventWings of Hope fleece vests and beanies were sold by volunteers Kim Hoffman and Jack Adams

Wings of Hope 2022 Centennial Event(l to r): Katie and Todd Goldman, Libby Aescheacher, Abbey Friedman

Wings of Hope 2022 Centennial Event(l to r): Amy Decolati, Sami Quick, Bruce Simner, Susie Dalton and Gary Decolati

Wings of Hope 2022 Centennial EventAt the Hope jewelry booth (l to r): BJ Williams with daughters Lena (center) and Evie

Wings of Hope 2022 Centennial EventJeff Kirkendall (left) and Charlie Fagan

Wings of Hope 2022 Centennial EventDon Sheehan (left), Centennial Council member, with Cathy and Jim Noon…Cathy is former mayor of Centennial and a 4-year pancreatic cancer survivor.

Wings of Hope 2022 Centennial EventEnjoying the fall evening at Exploration of Flight

Wings of Hope 2022 Centennial EventGreg Miller (left) and Galen Turner

Wings of Hope 2022 Centennial EventCentennial Mayor Stephanie Piko and Council Member Don Sheehan

Wings of Hope 2022 Centennial Event(l to r): Karen Cusick, Linda Michow and Laurie Jokerst

Wings of Hope 2022 Centennial EventLaurie Jokerst, with daughter Aubrey

Wings of Hope 2022 Centennial EventDennis Thompson and Carlene Walker

Wings of Hope 2022 Centennial EventDoug Hill (far right), with friends

Wings of Hope 2022 Centennial EventJim and Heather Grimshaw

Wings of Hope 2022 Centennial EventDon and Rosemarie Allen add style to the Denver sunset view at Centennial Airport.

Wings of Hope 2022 Centennial EventCathy Noon, 4-year pancreatic cancer survivor, speaks to the audience…behind her (l to r): Melissa East, Maureen Shul, Richard Schulick, Todd Pitts and Carlo Marchetti

Wings of Hope 2022 Centennial EventCarlo Marchetti, research assistant professior, CU Anschutz Medical Campus, and Wings of Hope research grant recipient

Wings of Hope 2022 Centennial EventTodd Pitts, Director GI Translational Research Lab, associate professor at CU Anschutz Medical Campus and Wings of Hope research grant recipient

Wings of Hope 2022 Centennial EventRichard Schulick, MD, MBA, is the director of the University of Colorado Cancer Center.

Wings of Hope 2022 Centennial EventA toast to 10 years of Wings of Hope

Wings of Hope 2022 Centennial EventWings of Hope founder Maureen Shul

Wings of Hope 2022 Centennial EventCatching up before the live auction

Wings of Hope 2022 Centennial EventThe Ohlsson family during the live auction

Wings of Hope 2022 Centennial EventThe winning bid

Wings of Hope 2022 Centennial EventThis table was all about a team effort during the live auction.

Wings of Hope 2022 Centennial EventLots of smiles during the live auction

Wings of Hope 2022 Centennial EventMaureen Shul, right, was outbid on a live auction item…but the higher bid was appreciated for her nonprofit.

Wings of Hope 2022 Centennial EventGary Corbett, an auctioneer with fun and efficiency

Wings of Hope 2022 Centennial EventUSAF retired major Brian Shul had a showstopper beginning to his fascinating talk.

Wings of Hope 2022 Centennial EventBrian Shul talks about being shot down in Vietnam, severely injured and his comeback to fly the SR-71 top-secret Blackbird, the world’s fastest and highest-flying aircraft ever built.

Wings of Hope 2022 Centennial EventBrian Shul told his SR-71 Blackbird story in his book Sled Driver.

Wings of Hope 2022 Centennial EventThe dinner buffet was from Catering By Design

Wings of Hope 2022 Centennial EventChecking out live-auction items

Wings of Hope 2022 Centennial EventMelissa East (right), 14-year pancreatic cancer survivor, tells her story.

SEPTEMBER 2022

ANOTHER SUCCESSFUL AND SOLD OUT KINGSBURY OPEN

RAISES $35k for PANCREATIC CANCER RESEARCH

2022 Kingsbury Open

2022 Kingsbury Open

Every year we think the Kingsbury Open cannot get any better, and every year we are overjoyed as to how wonderfully perfect, magnificent, and successful the day turns out. On the most spectacular sun drenched day, a sell out crowd of golfers wanting to help the effort to fund pancreatic cancer research at CU Cancer Center met at Bear Dance Golf Club in Larkspur, Colorado, and through their generous participation, did just that. Thank you to Lisa Kingsbury Goodman for starting this tournament in memory of her father, all the exceptional volunteers who make the day go so smoothly, the generous sponsors, and the many supporters who donate to this event in many different ways. While the tournament is a fun day to be with friends in the most beautiful setting, no one loses sight of the fact we are playing in memory of those we have lost to this disease and in honor and support of those going through it. Thank you to everyone who participated, supported, and helped make this day so special and successful.

2022 Kingsbury Open

2022 Kingsbury Open

2022 Kingsbury Open

2022 Kingsbury Open

2022 Kingsbury Open

2022 Kingsbury Open

2022 Kingsbury Open

2022 Kingsbury Open

JULY 2022

SHANE LEE MEMORIAL GOLF TOURNAMENT RAISES $40k FOR PANCREATIC CANCER RESEARCH

Colin Daugherty, Laurie Jokerst, Maureen Shul

Colin Daugherty, Laurie Jokerst, Maureen Shul

On July 30, 2022 under a beautiful Colorado sky, golfers teed off at Loveland’s Mariana Butte Golf Course to help fund pancreatic cancer research. For 8 years the Shane Lee Memorial has partnered with WINGS OF HOPE for this event, all proceeds going directly to fund pancreatic cancer research at the University of Colorado Cancer Center. This year’s sold out event raised $40k in net proceeds for pancreatic cancer research. Thank you to the great sponsors, enthusiastic players, and generous supporters, all of whom made this event such a success!

SHANE LEE MEMORIAL GOLF TOURNAMENT 2022

SHANE LEE MEMORIAL GOLF TOURNAMENT 2022

SHANE LEE MEMORIAL GOLF TOURNAMENT 2022

EVENING OF HOPE 2021

with Hazel Miller and The Collective
September 18, 2021

Hazel Miller

Thank you to the sell out crowd, the wonderful Hazel Miller and The Collective, the always tremendous WINGS OF HOPE volunteers, our generous sponsors, the kind donors to our auction, and all those whose tremendous support made this the most successful WINGS OF HOPE benefit to date!

Wings of Hope raises more than $100,000 for pancreatic cancer research at CU Cancer Center

Researchers express cautious optimism as survival rate for patients continues to inch higher

by Peter Jones

Despite the continuing effects of COVID-19, a dedicated community of supporters converged Sept. 18 for the sold-out Evening of Hope, generating more than $100,000 to benefit pancreatic cancer research at the University of Colorado Cancer Center.

“Wings of Hope for Pancreatic Cancer Research was determined since the pandemic began not to stop the fundraising,” said Maureen Shul, executive director and founder of the Colorado-based nonprofit organization. “That so many attended our benefit to hear Hazel Miller perform and support funding pancreatic cancer research at CU Cancer Center far surpassed anything I had hoped for.”

An eclectic crowd of CU physicians and researchers, pancreatic cancer patients and survivors, and an array of people with no personal connection to the disease came together at Heritage Eagle Bend Golf Club in Aurora for a cocktail reception, a sit-down dinner, a live auction and a dynamic performance by Hazel Miller and the Collective.

“To hear the top oncologists at Anschutz Medical Campus share the latest developments in pancreatic cancer research and treatments, as well as hear from those on their own journey with this disease, is what made the evening so intensely meaningful,” Shul said.

After a year of lockdowns and bad news, the crowd was ready for something fun, as well as some relatively good news concerning the most challenging of deadly cancers.

Marco Del Chiaro, M.D., the CU Cancer Center’s division chief of surgical oncology, noted that the survival rate for pancreatic cancer patients has gone up a full 1,000% since the 1970s.

“This improvement is related to research,” he said. “We can offer some of those patients much more hope through a multimodal approach of chemotherapy, radiation therapy and surgery.”

Richard Schulick, M.D., the CU Cancer Center’s director, compared today’s overall prognosis to the early days of his career three decades ago when only two out of every 100 pancreatic cancer patients could expect to survive five years after diagnosis.

“We’ve come a long way, but we still have a long way to go,” Schulick said. “We know what the game plan is. We have to invest more in research.”

That plan has come to life, thanks in part to the activities of Wings of Hope, which has been funding groundbreaking research at the Anschutz Medical Campus since 2013. Most recently, the organization provided the seed money needed to study the effectiveness of immunotherapy to stimulate the body’s ability to fend off aggressive cancer cells.

“So far, pancreatic cancer has been very resistant to that, so we’re hoping this will show a change,” said Wells Messersmith, M.D., the center’s associate director of medical oncology. “The philanthropy raised through Wings of Hope helped us to actually open a clinical trial. There were a lot of start-up costs and things that we just didn’t have.”

Thanks to events like Evening of Hope and the recent Kingsbury Open Golf Tournament, those successes are expected to continue. Shul announced that the volunteer-run Wings of Hope has now raised a total of $1.3 million, all of which directly funds the ongoing research.

Shul paid tribute to former Centennial Mayor Cathy Noon, a pancreatic cancer patient who attended Evening of Hope.

“She has been an inspiration to many of us and shown us what leadership with integrity is all about,” said Shul, who founded Wings of Hope after losing two members of her family to pancreatic cancer.

“I want to thank you for giving me the space and support to take the ever-present sadness of losing my mother and my brother to this disease and give meaning and purpose to that grief through this foundation,” Shul said in her closing remarks.

Cathy and Jim NoonFormer mayor of Centennial, Cathy Noon and husband Jim

Claudine Jackson, Jess Noel, Rhonda WilliamsClaudine Jackson, Jess Noel, Rhonda Williams

Heather Kaufman with artist Topher StrausHeather Kaufman with artist Topher Straus

Todd Grondzki with artist Arturo Garcia and Abigail GarciaTodd Grondzki with artist Arturo Garcia and Abigail Garcia

Steve and Barb Spanjer with artist Arturo GarciaSteve and Barb Spanjer with artist Arturo Garcia

Joe and Connie ViaJoe and Connie Via

Full house at Heritage Eagle Bend Golf ClubFull house at Heritage Eagle Bend Golf Club

Dr. Sana Karam, Dr. Marco Del Chiaro, WINGS OF HOPE founder Maureen ShulDr. Sana Karam, Dr. Marco Del Chiaro, WINGS OF HOPE founder Maureen Shul

Peter Jones with Cathy NoonPeter Jones with Cathy Noon

Cathy Noon and Nancy KoontzCathy Noon and Nancy Koontz

Peter Jones and Maureen ShulPeter Jones and Maureen Shul

Wings of Hope volunteers Courtney Walsh and Marsha LessarWings of Hope volunteers Courtney Walsh and Marsha Lessar

Dancing to music of Hazel Miller and The CollectiveDancing to music of Hazel Miller and The Collective

2021 Wings of Hope annual event 

Cathy and Jim Noon, Dr. and Mrs. Del ChiaroCathy and Jim Noon, Dr. and Mrs. Del Chiaro

Cathy Noon's Cathy Noon's "Family & Friends" group

Dr. Wells Messersmith, Gary Corbett, Cristina Cenciarelli, Dr. Richard SchulickDr. Wells Messersmith, Gary Corbett, Cristina Cenciarelli, Dr. Richard Schulick

Dr. Sana Karam and guestsDr. Sana Karam and guests

Dr. Sana Karam's Lab Research GroupDr. Sana Karam's Lab Research Group

Singer Coco Brown, Peter Jones, Singer Hazel MillerSinger Coco Brown, Peter Jones, Singer Hazel Miller

Volunteer Kim Hoffman with Joanne and Cleveland ScarboroughVolunteer Kim Hoffman with Joanne and Cleveland Scarborough

Dr. Sana Karam, Dr. Marco Del Chiaro, Dr. Wells MessersmithDr. Sana Karam, Dr. Marco Del Chiaro, Dr. Wells Messersmith

Artist Arturo Garcia with his artwork and Gary CorbettArtist Arturo Garcia with his artwork and Gary Corbett

Cathy Noon and Maureen ShulCathy Noon and Maureen Shul

Jim and Cathy Noon, Maureen Shul with Hazel Miller, Sandy and Curt ChristensenJim and Cathy Noon, Maureen Shul with Hazel Miller, Sandy and Curt Christensen

Hazel Miller and The CollectiveHazel Miller and The Collective

Ron and Ann WankerRon and Ann Wankner

Art and Pat Turek, Jackie and Dennis ThompsonArt and Pat Turek, Jackie and Dennis Thompson

Volunteers and newlyweds Duffy and Sherri ColemanVolunteers and newlyweds Duffy and Sherri Coleman

Volunteers Vicki Sperring and Alison BiggsVolunteers Vicki Sperring and Alison Biggs

Violinist Gil Karam performs during reception Violinist Gil Karam performs during reception

Laurie Jokerst, Gary Corbett, Nancy KoontzLaurie Jokerst, Gary Corbett, Nancy Koontz

Mylee and Brittni TankersleyMylee and Brittni Tankersley

Laurie Jokerst, Colin and Aubrey DaughertyLaurie Jokerst, Colin and Aubrey Daugherty

Jackie and Dennis ThompsonJackie and Dennis Thompson

Amanda Codina and Anthony SjostromAmanda Codina and Anthony Sjostrom

2021 Wings of Hope annual event 

Linda Michow with daughter Isabella RealmutoLinda Michow with daughter Isabella Realmuto

Auctioneer Gary CorbettAuctioneer Gary Corbett

Hazel MillerHazel Miller

Art and Pat TurekArt and Pat Turek

Photos above by STEFAN KRUSZE

Maureen Shul and Topher StrausMaureen Shul and Topher Straus

Mike and Susan Gould, Maureen Shul, Judy and Rick Kleiner Mike and Susan Gould, Maureen Shul, Judy and Rick Kleiner

Dr. Richard Schulick, Maureen Shul, Cristina Cenciarelli Dr. Richard Schulick, Maureen Shul, Cristina Cenciarelli

Sam and Isabella Realmuto, Maureen Shul, Linda Michow, Jennifer and Greg MillerSam and Isabella Realmuto, Maureen Shul, Linda Michow, Jennifer and Greg Miller

Maureen ShulMaureen Shul

2021 Wings of Hppe annual event 

Kathryn Haber, Dr. Sana Karam, Maureen Shul, Gil KaramKathryn Haber, Dr. Sana Karam, Maureen Shul, Gil Karam

Cathy Noon, Hazel MillerCathy Noon, Hazel Miller

2021 Wings of Hope annual event 

Gilbert KaramGilbert Karam

Maureen Shul, Barb and Steve Spanjer Maureen Shul, Barb and Steve Spanjer

2021 Wings of Hope annual event 

2021 Wings of Hope annual event 

Connie Via, Maureen ShulConnie Via, Maureen Shul

Kim Hoffman, Maureen Shul, Jennifer MillerKim Hoffman, Maureen Shul, Jennifer Miller

Maureen Shul, Courtney WalshMaureen Shul, Courtney Walsh

Topher Straus, Linda Michow, Maureen Shul, Isabella and Sam Realmuto Topher Straus, Linda Michow, Maureen Shul, Isabella and Sam Realmuto

National Pancreatic Cancer Foundation board members Jess Noel, Rhonda Williams, Claudine JacksonNational Pancreatic Cancer Foundation board members Jess Noel, Rhonda Williams, Claudine Jackson

Photos above by Laurie Jokerst

KINGSBURY OPEN

SEPTEMBER 2, 2021

THANK YOU to everyone who made this year’s Kingsbury Open another successful, sold-out, magnificent event, all to benefit pancreatic cancer research at the University of Colorado Cancer Center. To Lisa and Joe Goodman, the wonderful volunteers, sponsors, donors, and every golfer who played with purpose under sunny skies at the gorgeous Bear Dance Golf Club, THANK YOU for making a difference in the fight against pancreatic cancer.

2021 Kingsbury Open

2021 Kingsbury Open

2021 Kingsbury Open

2021 Kingsbury Open

September 3, 2020

2020 KINGSBURY OPEN GOLF TOURNAMENT

Founder of WINGS OF HOPE Maureen Shul with Kingsbury Open founder Lisa Goodman

Founder of WINGS OF HOPE Maureen Shul with Kingsbury Open founder Lisa Goodman

Congratulations to everyone involved in the 2020 Kingsbury Open which, once again, surpassed all expectations. The annual sold out event was played on the most gorgeous September day at Bear Dance Golf Club in Larkspur, Colorado, with the last foursome finishing just as the sun was setting.

To the 188 players, the generous donors, the Bear Dance staff, the Washington Park Chiropractic team that puts it all together, and foremost to Lisa Goodman (and her entire family) who founded the Kingsbury Open in memory of her Dad, Thomas Kingsbury, who lost his life to pancreatic cancer, a heartfelt and tremendous thank you for this event that benefits WINGS OF HOPE FOR PANCREATIC CANCER RESEARCH. All proceeds from the event go directly to funding pancreatic cancer research at the University of Colorado Cancer Center.

While the tournament has become one of the premier and most enjoyable golf events in Colorado, no one forgets the purpose behind it and the positive impact it is having on moving pancreatic cancer research forward.

Lisa and Joe GoodmanLisa and Joe Goodman

2020 Kingsbury Open 

David SeneshenDavid Seneshen

David Seneshen, Mick Roemer, Kelly Eliassen, Sam RealmutoDavid Seneshen, Mick Roemer, Kelly Eliassen, Sam Realmuto

Courtney Walsh and Maureen ShulCourtney Walsh and Maureen Shul

Jordan Schindler, Greg Miller, and Glynn FrechetteJordan Schindler, Greg Miller, and Glynn Frechette

Sam Realmuto Sam Realmuto

Glynn Frechette, Miller Lewis, Maureen Shul, Greg Miller, and Jordan Schindler Glynn Frechette, Miller Lewis, Maureen Shul, Greg Miller, and Jordan Schindler

Laurie and Colin Daugherty, Courtney WalshLaurie and Colin Daugherty, Courtney Walsh

Maureen Shul with Tribute Hole in memory of her Mother and brother lovingly sponsored by Jennifer and Greg MillerMaureen Shul with Tribute Hole in memory of her Mother and brother lovingly sponsored by Jennifer and Greg Miller

To view October 22, 2011 WINGS OF HOPE event click here....

To view April 25th, 2013 WINGS OF HOPE event click here....

To view October 30th, 2014 WINGS OF HOPE event click here....

To view our many other past events click here....

JOIN THE EFFORT…BE A PART OF THE POSSIBLE, BE THE HOPE.