Wings of Hope for Pancreatic Cancer Research
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.
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.
April 2025
In Memoriam
WILLIAM “BILL” HOGAN
Bill Hogan, beloved husband, father, son, brother, and friend to many, passed away April 23, 2025 after a long battle with pancreatic cancer. Bill attended St. Bonaventure University in Olean, New York, Class of ‘82, where he excelled and was a proud member of the Men’s Rugby Team. He is being remembered as a devoted family man and incredible person and friend. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Monday April 28 at Nativity of our Lord Church in Orchard Park, New York.
Our thoughts, prayers, and support are with Bill’s family and friends during this difficult time.
To make a donation in Bill’s memory that goes directly toward funding pancreatic cancer research please click the donate button.
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.
DECEMBER 10 - COLORADO GIVES DAY
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.
October 2024
In Memoriam
ROBERT OLISLAGERS
It is with the heaviest of hearts I share the sad news of Robert Olislager’s passing October 3rd. Well known throughout Colorado and the country for his broad expertise on all things aviation, Robert was above all else a decent, kind man and steadfast friend. As President and CEO of Centennial Airport for many years, Robert was one of the earliest supporters and sponsors of WINGS OF HOPE efforts and events. Shortly after Robert and his wife Marilyn retired to Venice, Florida, he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. For the past almost two years he and Marilyn fought this disease with unwavering courage and faith, always leaving others strengthened by the way they bravely faced the insurmountable odds before them.
Robert was a kind, supportive, and loving friend to my brother Brian and me, and his positive outlook and undaunted faith will be missed tremendously by many. Our prayers and support are with Marilyn and Robert’s family and many friends.
WINGS OF HOPE, at Robert and Marilyn’s request, is humbled and proud to be a part of Robert’s prolific legacy, with all donations received in his memory going entirely and directly to pancreatic cancer research at the University of Colorado Cancer Center.
God bless and keep you, Robert.
Maureen Shul
To make a donation in Robert’s memory please click the donate button.
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.
