Wings of Hope for Pancreatic Cancer Research
In Memoriam
ERIKA SCHAFER
1939 - 2025
Erika Schafer, who immigrated from Germany to New York City in 1961, has passed away after a valiant and courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. Erika lived the American dream, recounting her WWII and immigration experiences in her book, “Heart of the Sparrow.” We were honored and privileged to come to know her and have her on the WINGS OF HOPE team. She wanted to be part of the effort to fight this relentless disease to prevent others from having to go through it. Her grace, kindness, and courage will be remembered by all who knew her.
To read Erika’s obituary please go to In Memoriam.
In Memoriam
MARTY WAGER
1949 - 2025
Devoted husband, father, and grandfather Marty Wager passed away in May 2025 from pancreatic cancer and Alzheimer’s disease.
A Denver native, Marty’s faith was an important part of his life. Ordained in 1989 by His Eminence, Cardinal Stafford, Marty served faithfully at St. Louis Parish in Englewood and All Souls Parish. His heart for the vulnerable was evident in his work with the Handicap Ministry through Carron House and the EnCourage Ministry for families within Courage International. As a Deacon, he provided faith and support not only for parishioners, but to those who requested that he officiate at their weddings, baptize their children, or be by their side when loved ones passed away.
A vigil will be held on Thursday, May 29th from 6:00-7:00pm at St. Francis Cabrini Parish: 6673 W Chatfield Ave, Littleton, CO 80128. The funeral service will be on Friday May 30th also at St. Francis Cabrini Parish at 10:30am with a reception to follow.
To make a donation in memory of Marty Wager go to In Memoriam.
July 2025
WINGS OF HOPE AWARDS $200,000.00 in Pancreatic Cancer Research Grants
WINGS OF HOPE Awards $200,000.00 in pancreatic cancer research grants!
At their annual grant review meeting, WINGS OF HOPE proudly awarded $200k to 3 pancreatic cancer research projects at the University of Colorado Cancer Center. The proposals involved: 1) the study of cachexia in pancreatic cancer patients; 2) enhancing precision pancreatic cancer surgery using advanced luminescent nanoprobes; 3) development of a single cell sequencing approach that supports the discovery of new therapeutic targets. Pancreatic cancer remains one of the deadliest forms of cancer due to limited treatment efficacy. These proposals have the potential to dramatically improve outcomes for patients, and we are proud to help move them forward.
April 2025
WINGS OF HOPE Proud to be a host for the April 30th, 2025 FIRST ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL ROCKY MOUNTAIN PANCREAS SYMPOSIUM
For more on this inspiring, invigorating symposium, go to EVENTS.
DECEMBER 2024
A BEAUTIFUL EVENING at “LIGHT UP HOPE” at DENVER BOTANIC GARDENS
(L-R: Cristina Cenciarelli, Dr. Marco Del Chiaro, Elisabetta Del Chiaro, Maureen Shul, Dr. Richard Schulick)
WINGS OF HOPE held their last event of 2024 with “Light Up Hope” at Denver Botanic Gardens, where a crowd of CU Cancer Center physicians, researchers, staff, and many friends and supporters of WINGS OF HOPE gathered to enjoy food and drinks before enjoying the always spectacular Blossom of Lights display. For more on this event go to EVENTS.
OCTOBER 2024
DAVID YURMAN RECEPTION FOR WINGS OF HOPE
A HUGE SUCCESS IN FUNDING PANCREATIC CANCER RESEARCH
Thank you to the incredible David Yurman staff and fantastic WINGS OF HOPE supporters who enjoyed a beautiful champagne reception while generously helping fund pancreatic cancer research at the University of Colorado Cancer Center. For more on this event go to EVENTS.
September 2024
12th ANNUAL ‘EVENING OF HOPE’ RAISES RECORD-BREAKING $60,000
for PANCREATIC CANCER RESEARCH
Wings of Hope founder Maureen Shul, Kingsbury Open founders Joe and Lisa Goodman, Miss American Madison Marsh
CU Cancer Center director Dr. Richard Schulick addresses the sell-out crowd
Before a sell-out crowd at Exploration of Flight hangar, CU Cancer Center researchers described the impact Wings of Hope grants are making in their work, followed by Miss America Madison Marsh sharing how her mother’s passing from pancreatic cancer changed the trajectory of her career path.
For full story and pictures go to the event page.
SATURDAY NOVEMBER 2, 2024
5k RUN / 1 Mile Walk for PANCREATIC CANCER RESEARCH
Join the crowd at City Park to run or walk for pancreatic cancer research at the CU Cancer Center.
Food, band, booths, and fun under the morning sun!
AUGUST 2024
MOST SUCCESSFUL KINGSBURY OPEN TO DATE
The 10th Annual Kingsbury Open became the most successful one to date in raising funding for pancreatic cancer research at the University of Colorado Cancer Center.
For more on this spectacular event go to EVENTS.
WINGS OF HOPE for PANCREATIC CANCER RESEARCH was formed in February 2012 by Maureen A. Shul after losing her mother and brother within months of one another to pancreatic cancer. The non-profit foundation is dedicated to raising awareness and funding for the ongoing research, clinical trials and treatment of pancreatic cancer patients at the Pancreatic Cancer Research Program at the University of Colorado Cancer Center.
The Shul Family
Pancreatic cancer is currently the second leading cause of cancer death in the United States. Of the most commonly diagnosed cancers, the survival rate for pancreatic cancer - the percentage of patients who are living five years after diagnosis - is just 10 percent. This is because far more people are diagnosed at stage IV when the disease has metastasized. This survival rate has changed little in the last 40 years.
With no early detection tools, effective treatments or adequate funding for research, the rapidly rising threat of pancreatic cancer urgently demands an increase in awareness and research funding.
Founded out of grief, driven by purpose and in pursuit of making a difference, WINGS OF HOPE for PANCREATIC CANCER RESEARCH is dedicated to
- Accelerating the research
- Providing the most advanced treatments
- Finding the cure
Thomas Purcell, MD, MBA, University of Colorado Cancer Center
JOIN THE EFFORT…BE A PART OF THE POSSIBLE, BE THE HOPE.
