Wings of Hope for Pancreatic Cancer Research

OCTOBER 2023

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

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.

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

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.”

2023 KINGSBURY OPEN

From Lisa Kingsbury Goodman, founder of the Kingsbury Open:

NOVEMBER 5, 2022

CITY PARK 5K RUN/WALK for PANCREATIC CANCER RESEARCH

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.

OCTOBER 22, 2022

WINGS OF HOPE LANDS IN BOSTON

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.”

September 2022

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

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.”

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

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

SEPTEMBER 2022

ANOTHER SUCCESSFUL AND SOLD OUT KINGSBURY OPEN

RAISES $35k for PANCREATIC CANCER RESEARCH

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.

JULY 2022

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

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!

EVENING OF HOPE 2021

with Hazel Miller and The Collective

September 18, 2021

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!

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.

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.

September 3, 2020

2020 KINGSBURY OPEN GOLF TOURNAMENT

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.

September 2019

2019 EVENING OF HOPE BENEFIT

On a spectacular late September early evening, more than 300 people gathered at the Glenmoor Country Club in Cherry Hills Village to be a part of the 7th annual WINGS OF HOPE FOR PANCREATIC CANCER RESEARCH foundation’s annual benefit. After drinks and appetizers in the outside courtyard, attendees took their seats inside to hear first from three courageous pancreatic cancer survivors. Sharing their profound stories were Pam Hafemann, Rob Francoeur, and Cathy Noon. WINGS OF HOPE founder Maureen Shul then spoke on the three pancreatic cancer research grants recently awarded at the CU Cancer Center, and the reasons WINGS OF HOPE began and its purpose moving forward. Attendees then heard from Dr. Wells Messersmith, Dr. Marco Del Chiaro, Dr. Sana Karam, and Dr. Richard Schulick, all of whom spoke on the impact WINGS OF HOPE is having on the pancreatic cancer research at the CU Cancer Center and updates on the research progress. After a lively live auction spearheaded by auctioneer Libby Pollack, the guest speaker of the evening, Jeremy Poincenot, took the stage. His profound and moving talk about being declared legally blind when just 19 years old and going on to become a world champion blind golfer deeply moved everyone who heard him. His message of being strong enough to lean on others during the most difficult times resonated with the audience. Though the evening lasted well beyond what was expected, it was to date the largest crowd and most successful benefit WINGS OF HOPE has held. THANK YOU to everyone who made the evening such an enjoyable success: the sponsors, the friends who donated items to the auction, the incredible speakers, the best volunteers ever, and to everyone who not only came, but generously gave to the effort to fund the pancreatic cancer research at the University of Colorado Cancer Center.

JUNE 2019

KINGSBURY OPEN GOLF TOURNAMENT

Under the most perfect blue and sunny sky, over 100 golfers participated in the 5th annual Kingsbury Open at Bear Dance in Larkspur, Colorado. The annual event, held to help fund pancreatic cancer research at the University of Colorado Cancer Center, has raised more than $100,000 since its inception. The Kingsbury Open was founded by Lisa Kingsbury Goodman in memory of her father, Thomas, whom she lost to pancreatic cancer. With the involvement of her husband Joe, family and incredible staff at Washington Park Chiropractic, the Kingsbury Open has become one of the most enjoyed and anticipated golf events in Colorado. WINGS OF HOPE founder Maureen Shul stated, “We are so proud to partner with the Kingsbury Open in the fight against pancreatic cancer, and look forward to our continued partnership and having an impact on the pancreatic cancer research taking place here at Anschutz Medical Campus.”

JUNE 2019

KINGSBURY OPEN HAPPY HOUR BENEFITS PANCREATIC CANCER RESEARCH

Kelsey Schwab, Maureen Shul, Lisa Goodman

The annual Kingsbury Open Happy Hour event, held the week leading up to the Kingsbury Open Golf Tournament, was wildly successful in raising funding for pancreatic cancer research and providing a great time for the overflow crowd at The Country Club on South Broadway. The event attracted many of the golfers who will be participating in the upcoming Kingsbury Open, those who support the effort to fund pancreatic cancer research at the University of Colorado Cancer Center and the incredible staff from Washington Park Chiropractic who host and organize the happy hour as well as tournament. Proceeds from both events go to WINGS OF HOPE to fund pancreatic cancer research. “I am so proud and thankful to have this partnership with Washington Park Chiropractic and give special thanks to Lisa and Joe Goodman, Kelsey Schwab, Alyssa Krizek and Jill Schurman,” stated WINGS OF HOPE founder Maureen Shul.

WINGS OF HOPE founder Maureen Shul, Marsha Lessar and Ginny Wilson

MAY 2019

COLORADO SHELBY CLUB HOLDS EVENT TO BENEFIT WINGS OF HOPE

On a beautiful sunny Saturday morning the Colorado Shelby Club gathered for a pancake breakfast and to display some classic and modern Shelby Mustangs, Cobras and Vipers. Donations from the event went to WINGS OF HOPE, in memory of Gene Lessar who was an avid Shelby enthusiast and active club member. Sincere thanks to hosts John and Ginny Wilson, and to Marsha Lessar who not only carries on Gene’s love for all things Shelby, but is one of WINGS OF HOPE’s most active volunteers. Our sincere thanks to everyone who participated in the breakfast gathering and for your generous support of WINGS OF HOPE and the funding of pancreatic cancer research at the University of Colorado Cancer Center.

May 2019

2019 WORLD PANCREATIC CANCER COALITION CONFERENCE

Coral Gables, Florida

At the 2019 World Pancreatic Cancer Coalition Conference held in Coral Gables, Florida, 100 organization leaders met representing 50 organizations from 21 countries. Now in its fifth year, the WPCC meets on an annual basis to collaborate efforts in raising awareness, education, research, treatments and patient care. Everyday 1,250 people worldwide are diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. Of those diagnosed, only 2 - 9 percent will survive five years. “Because of the efforts of the passionate and extraordinary members of this coalition, pancreatic cancer research has steadily grown and awareness through global collaboration has reached new heights,” stated WINGS OF HOPE founder Maureen Shul.

APRIL 2019

“I CAN SIDELINE PANCREATIC CANCER” SYMPOSIUM

Penn State Altoona, Pennsylvania

WINGS OF HOPE was proud to participate in the “I CAN SIDELINE PANCREATIC CANCER” SYMPOSIUM at Penn State Altoona, Pennsylvania. Hosted by the Greg and Cathy Griffith Family Foundation, the annual event brings together physicians, researchers, survivors, advocates and students to discuss the most effective ways to move pancreatic cancer research forward. “It is because of advocates such as Cathy Griffith, Jack Andraka, Rhonda Hatfield and Danny Heo that the future of pancreatic cancer research is strong and encouraging,” stated WINGS OF HOPE founder Maureen Shul.

November 2018

EVENING OF HOPE featuring TRICIA DOWNING Raises Crucial Funding for Pancreatic Cancer Research

Despite a debilitating winter freeze that covered the roads and windshields of metro Denver, WINGS OF HOPE FOR PANCREATIC CANCER RESEARCH managed to raise more than $75,000 at their annual 2018 Evening of Hope fundraiser.

“We had contemplated cancellation due to the weather, but the turnout was one of our best and the amount raised was indeed the most at any Evening of Hope event,” said Maureen Shul, WINGS OF HOPE founder and executive director. The funds raised at the event, coupled with those generated at other year-round events, give crucial support to groundbreaking pancreatic cancer research at the University of Colorado Cancer Center on the Anschutz Medical Campus.

Guest speaker was competitive cyclist Tricia Downing, who shared her story of being struck by a car while training on her bike in Golden, leaving her paralyzed from the chest down. In one split moment Tricia went from being a renowned cyclist to a paraplegic requiring a wheelchair for mobility. With mental toughness and grit, Tricia came through an unfathomable injury and rehabilitation, returning to athletics on the world stage in 4 different wheelchair sports. Tricia’s story of turning a life altering tragedy into a journey of self-discovery and inner strength was an unforgettable and inspiring message of hope and perseverance.

(Story by Peter Jones, photos by Stefan Kruzse)

August 2018

2018 SHANE LEE MEMORIAL GOLF TOURNAMENT

WINGS OF HOPE was proud to once again partner with Noble Energy for the 7th annual Shane Lee Memorial Golf Tournament held at beautiful Mariana Butte Golf Club in Loveland. The popular and always sold out event is held in honor of Noble Energy employee Shane Lee who passed away from pancreatic cancer. The tournament was followed by a luncheon at the golf club and awards ceremony. Proceeds from the tournament go to WINGS OF HOPE, where every dollar received goes directly to raising awareness and funding for pancreatic cancer research at the University of Colorado Cancer Center. Thank you to all the participants and generous sponsors that made this such an enjoyable and successful event.

MAY 2018

WORLD PANCREATIC CANCER COALITION CONFERENCE

CEO of National Pancreatic Cancer Foundation Rhonda Williams, CEO of WINGS OF HOPE Maureen Shul and PanCan Action Network CEO Julie Fleishman

Everyday, more than 1,000 people worldwide are diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. Out of that number an estimated 985 will die. Horribly, pancreatic cancer is proportionally under represented when it comes to clinical trials and research, despite the growing number of people being diagnosed. In 2020, pancreatic cancer is expected to become the 2nd deadliest of all cancers.

To help raise global awareness and drive transformational change for those impacted by pancreatic cancer, the World Pancreatic Cancer Coalition was formed several years ago. With 74 organizations from 31 countries as members, the WPCC is having an impact in effectively raising awareness worldwide and demanding better in all facets of this disease.

In May 2018, the WPCC held their annual conference in Coral Gables, Florida. WINGS OF HOPE was proud to be represented and a participant in this conference. Attended by 40 organizations from 22 countries, conference topics included early detection progress, research updates, pre-disposition to the disease and prevention. There was specific focus on the need to advance early detection methods in order to prevent the high number who are diagnosed after the disease has already advanced to stage IV. To date, standard treatments of the disease have not been successful, and novel therapeutic approaches continue to be tried.

October 2017

WINGS OF HOPE RECOGNIZED AT UNVEILING OF BENEFACTOR WALL AT CU CANCER CENTER

WINGS OF HOPE was proud to be recognized at the official unveiling of the Benefactor Wall on the campus of the University of Colorado Cancer Center with a plaque signifying the foundation’s contribution to pancreatic cancer research. Hosted by Chancellor Donald Elliman, the special evening event celebrated the generosity of many benefactors to the ongoing work and research at the CU Cancer Center.

“This special plaque represents and is entirely due to every single person that has supported, donated and given to the efforts of WINGS OF HOPE, and with all my heart I thank each and every one of you,” stated WINGS OF HOPE founder Maureen Shul.

JULY 2017

SHANE LEE MEMORIAL GOLF TOURNAMENT

WINGS OF HOPE is proud to be a partner and participant in the annual Shane Lee Memorial Golf Tournament played at Marianna Butte Golf Course in Loveland, Colorado. Held in memory of Shane Lee, an employee and beloved friend to many at Noble Energy, this year's tournament was another sold out event on what turned out to be a gorgeous, sunny Colorado morning. All proceeds from the event go to WINGS OF HOPE to raise awareness and funding for pancreatic cancer research at the University of Colorado Cancer Center. This was the 6th year the event has been held.

JUNE 2017

3rd ANNUAL KINGSBURY OPEN

Larkspur, Colorado

Under the most beautiful, cloudless Colorado sky, 100 golfers set out early at Golf Club at Bear Dance in Larkspur for the 3rd Annual Kingsbury Open, all to raise awareness and funding for pancreatic cancer research. Hosted by Washington Park Chiropractic and founded by Lisa Kingsbury Goodman in memory of her father, Thomas Kingsbury, whom she lost to pancreatic cancer, the Kingsbury Open has grown each year as more people become aware of the event, the cause and the purpose. In partnership with WINGS OF HOPE FOR PANCREATIC CANCER RESEARCH, all proceeds raised from the golf tournament go directly toward raising awareness and funding for pancreatic cancer research at the University of Colorado Cancer Center at Anschutz Medical Campus. To our wonderful friends at Washington Park Chiropractic, all those who played in the tournament, the generous sponsors and those who could not participate yet gave a donation, WINGS OF HOPE thanks you heart fully for your significant and generous support of this effort to fund pancreatic cancer research at the CU Cancer Center.

May 2017

UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO CANCER CENTER: TRANSFORMING HEALTH CARE: Rewriting the Rules of Cancer Treatment and Care

CU Advocates were invited to hear a special presentation from three of the top physicians involved in cancer treatment and care at the University of Colorado Cancer Center – Anschutz Medical Campus:

Dr. Karyn A. Goodman, Professor, Department of Radiation Oncology, Associate Director of Clinical Research, UC Cancer Center, Anschutz Medical Campus

Dr. Lia Gore, Pediatric Cancer Therapeutics, Pediatric Oncology, Section Head-Pediatric Hematology/Oncology/BMT, Children’s Hospital, Colorado; faculty member of the School of Medicine, University of Colorado – Anschutz Medical Campus

Dr. Richard Schulick, Professor and Chair of Surgery, CU Department of Medicine, UC Cancer Center, Anschutz Medical Campus

Some of the highlights of the presentation:

Dr. Goodman provided a history of the evolution of radiotherapy, from when x-rays were first discovered in 1895, to the first cure by radiation therapy in 1899 to the present, showing steady advances in the ability to target treatment. Approximately 2/3 of all cancer patients receive radiation therapy, and in some cases that is all that is needed. Treatments are becoming more focused, resulting in less impact on healthy cells. Immunotherapy is sometimes used in combination with radiation, though not every patient responds favorably to immunotherapy.

Dr. Gore informed the attendees that childhood leukemia is the most common type of cancer in children. Forty years ago, the survival rate was very low for this type of cancer, but today, there is a 99% chance of being cured when caught early. The risk factors for this disease need to be better defined. There has been significant advancement in molecular technology. The challenge is being able to tell if a specific drug is helping a new patient (it is easier to tell if it is having an impact on an existing patient). There is a strong effort to move away from using the most damaging drugs in treatment.

Dr. Schulick, an oncology surgeon specializing in pancreas cancer, explained that cancer, simply put, occurs when cells do not divide properly and grow in areas where they shouldn’t. The causes of cancer can be broken into three categories:

• 1. Genetics: the cells you are born with;
• 2. Environmental toxins, such as tobacco, radiation and obesity;
• 3. Just plain horrible luck.

In 2017, there will be 1,688,000 new cases of cancer diagnosed. Of this number, 600,000 will die (1,646 per day). One in four Americans die from cancer. Fifteen million Americans are alive today after being treated for cancer. When it comes to pancreas cancer, the survival rates are the lowest of all the major cancers, showing little improvement over the last 45 years, as this table shows:

The purpose of the pancreas is to secrete insulin into the blood to regulate glucose (sugar levels) and to make digestive enzymes. In 2017, 54,000 Americans will develop pancreatic cancer, and 43,000 will not survive beyond five years. By 2020, pancreatic cancer will be the 2nd cause of cancer deaths. The urgent need is for better understanding of genetic alterations, early detection blood test and more effective therapies.

May 2017

WORLD PANCREATIC CANCER COALITION ANNUAL CONFERENCE

Montreal, Canada

The World Pancreatic Cancer Coalition, a global alliance formed to aggressively raise awareness and have an impact in the fight against pancreatic cancer, met in Montreal to continue raising global visibility of this disease with the ultimate goal being to improve outcomes for patients. More than 40 pancreatic cancer organizations representing over 20 countries attended the conference, where attendees were given the latest updates from members of the scientific and medical communities as well as pancreatic cancer survivors.

The World Pancreatic Cancer Coalition (WPCC) oversees World Pancreatic Cancer Day, observed around the globe each November during Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month.

WINGS OF HOPE founder and CEO Maureen Shul, a member of the WPCC, stated, "To be able to meet with researchers, physicians and member organizations from around the world on the latest discoveries and efforts being made that will drive transformational change for those impacted by pancreatic cancer is an extraordinary opportunity."

Pancreatic cancer is the 7th most common cause of cancer-related deaths in men and women combined worldwide. Only 2 to 10 percent of those diagnosed survive 5 years. The goal of the WPCC is to have a unified effort on a global level in the fight against pancreatic cancer.

MARCH 2017

UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO - ANSCHUTZ MEDICAL CAMPUS DONOR DINNER

Dr. Wells Messersmith, Maureen Shul and Stephanie Ludwig

WINGS OF HOPE was honored to be part of the 10th Annual Donor Recognition Dinner for the University of Colorado - Anschutz Medical Campus held at the Denver Center for the Performing Arts. The Seawell Grand Ballroom was the site for University of Colorado supporters gathered to celebrate the impact and advancements made through the generous investments and donations by so many. Every donation received by WINGS OF HOPE is part of this grand investment, specifically to fund pancreatic cancer research at the CU Cancer Center. "Every dollar received by WINGS OF HOPE goes directly to the pancreatic cancer research taking place at the CU Cancer Center - Anschutz Medical Campus, and we are grateful to each and every supporter of this effort," stated WINGS OF HOPE founder and CEO Maureen Shul.

MARCH 2017

PEDALING FOR PAUL

Paul Ludwig

On Sunday, March 5th, a sold out crowd at CycleBar in Littleton, Colorado gathered and cycled their hearts out to raise awareness and funding for pancreatic cancer research. The event was held in memory of Paul Ludwig, whose fight with pancreatic cancer ended in December 2016.

On what would have been Paul's 58th birthday, a crowd of family, friends, neighbors and cyclists put their energy in action to make a difference in the fight against pancreatic cancer. As WINGS OF HOPE founder Maureen Shul shared with the crowd, every dollar raised from the event matters greatly and goes directly to pancreatic cancer research at the University of Colorado Cancer Center.

WINGS OF HOPE is grateful for the partnership with PEDALING FOR PAUL, a non profit organization supporting pancreatic cancer research through an annual bike ride in Paul Ludwig's memory, and thanks everyone who participated in this special event.

JANUARY 2017

WASHINGTON PARK CHIROPRACTIC RAISES $29,000 FOR PANCREATIC CANCER RESEARCH

WINGS OF HOPE thanks Washington Park Chiropractic for their donation of $29,000 raised at last year's Kingsbury Open, an annual golf tournament held to raise awareness and funding for pancreatic cancer research at the University of Colorado Cancer Center. WINGS OF HOPE is proud to partner with Washington Park Chiropractic on the Kingsbury Open, a wildly successful event that sells out quickly.

2016

DAVID YURMAN at Cherry Creek hosts Special Event to benefit WINGS OF HOPE

WINGS OF HOPE thanks David Yurman in Cherry Creek for their partnership in helping raise awareness and funding for pancreatic cancer research at the University of Colorado Cancer Center. David Yurman was one of the main sponsors of last June's WINGS OF HOPE event featuring teenage cancer researcher Jack Andraka, and in October held a private special event at their store in Cherry Creek to benefit WINGS OF HOPE. Special thanks to General Manager Tori Sailor, Josh Miller and the exemplary associates at David Yurman in Cherry Creek for their partnership and support of this effort.

NOVEMBER 2016

In November, a CELEBRATION OF LIFE AND HOPE was held in Stoneham, Massachusetts in remembrance of Cal Sr., Cal Jr., Debbie and Betty Bowker. The Bowker Family lost Cal Sr., Cal Jr. and Betty to pancreatic cancer, and Debbie to breast cancer. WINGS OF HOPE board member Kathryn Bowker Haber and her brother George Bowker, organized the event to celebrate the lives of their family members and raise awareness and funding for pancreatic cancer research. All proceeds from the event went to WINGS OF HOPE to fund the pancreatic cancer research ongoing at the University of Colorado Cancer Center. For the unfathomable losses they have sustained and their continual support of this effort, our heartfelt thanks to the Bowker Family and all those who participated in this special event.

OCTOBER 2016

In late October WINGS OF HOPE presented a special one-night only presentation of the SR-71 BLACKBIRD SPY PILOT CHRONICLES at the historic Orpheum Theatre in Wichita, Kansas. SR-71 pilot BRIAN SHUL and navigator WALTER WATSON enthralled the crowd with their experiences as an SR-71 crew, as chronicled in their book, The Untouchables.

The special event was held in memory of GAYLE JOHNSON, KEN LERMAN and PETE REYNOLDS, all well known friends in Wichita who, in 2014, all succumbed to pancreatic cancer within months of one another.

The evening helped raise awareness and much needed funding for pancreatic cancer research.

Sincere thanks to the Johnson, Reynolds and Lerman families, and all those in Wichita whose outpouring of generous support is helping to make a difference in this effort.

AUGUST 2016

JULY 2016 - 5th ANNUAL SHANE LEE MEMORIAL GOLF TOURNAMENT

On a picture perfect Saturday morning, 140 golfers met to play in the 5th Annual Shane Lee Golf Tournament at Mariana Butte Golf Course in Loveland, Colorado. Held in partnership with WINGS OF HOPE, the tournament is in memory of beloved Shane Lee who lost his battle to pancreatic cancer in 2011. All proceeds go toward raising awareness and funding for pancreatic cancer at the University of Colorado Cancer Center.

JUNE 2016

"AN EVENING OF HOPE WITH JACK ANDRAKA" was held June 18, 2016 at Anschutz Medical Campus.

Teenage cancer researcher Jack Andraka shared how at 15, he discovered an early diagnostic test for pancreatic cancer. Driven and motivated by the death of a close family friend, Jack's story of using Google to learn all he could about the pancreas, getting 199 rejections for lab use before one doctor gave him that opportunity and the eventual discovery that came about as a result of his own genius and tenacity, touched and inspired everyone in attendance.

Gary Corbett, serving as emcee as well as auctioneer, added warmth and humor to the evening in his own unique and entertaining way. Speakers included WINGS OF HOPE founder Maureen Shul, Dr. Colin Weekes, Dr. Richard Schulick and Dr. Tom Purcell.

Special thanks to sponsors of the event: The John W. Buffington Family, Aircraft Performance Group, Centennial Airport, The Comerford Family, Paula Sandoval in memory of Senator Paul Sandoval, Imhoff Ohlson Family Fund, 1010 Global, The Shul Family, The Canyons, Washington Park Chiropractic, David Yurman of Cherry Creek, Crystal Hodge / Sotheby's, The Bowker Haber Families and Merrimack.

JUNE 2016

KINGSBURY OPEN
June 6, 2016

Thank you to all the participants, sponsors, volunteers and Washington Park Chiropractic for making this another incredibly successful and enjoyable event - all to raise awareness and funding for the pancreatic cancer research at the University of Colorado Cancer Center.

OCTOBER 10, 2015 GRAND JUNCTION, COLORADO

WINGS OF HOPE presented the SR-71 BLACKBIRD SPY PILOT CHRONICLES in Grand Junction, coinciding with the Grand Junction Air Show that weekend featuring the USAF Thunderbirds. On a picture perfect weekend, WINGS OF HOPE founder MAUREEN SHUL, pancreatic cancer survivor and WOH board member JIM COMERFORD and SR-71 pilot BRIAN SHUL met and talked with many at the air show about the urgent effort to find early diagnostic methods, more effective treatments and ultimately a cure through funding the pancreatic cancer research at the University of Colorado Cancer Center.

Main sponsors of the event were St. Mary's Medical Center and the Comerford Family, as well as Bray Real Estate, General Surgeons of Western Colorado and the Shul Family. Speakers at the Avalon Theater event included JIM COMERFORD and MAUREEN SHUL, sharing their involvement and commitment to this effort. Dr. ERIC HANLY and Dr. MARTY JACOBSON shared what is taking place at St. Mary's Cancer Center on pancreatic cancer treatments and the collaboration and need for more awareness on their relationship with the University of Colorado Cancer Center. SR-71 pilot BRIAN SHUL enthralled the packed audience with his experience flying the world's highest and fastest flying jet. Artist, author and pancreatic cancer survivor ARTURO GARCIA donated an original painting of the SR-71 which went to a generous and excited donor.

Sincere thanks to everyone who helped make this event one of the best yet!

JUNE, 2015

KINGSBURY OPEN Golf Tournament

On June 2nd, 2015 the first annual Kingsbury Open was held at Golf Club at Bear Dance in Larkspur, Colorado, hosted by Washington Park Chiropractic in partnership with WINGS OF HOPE FOR PANCREATIC CANCER RESEARCH. Over $15,000 was raised for the pancreatic cancer research ongoing at the University of Colorado Cancer Center. In September 2015 Dr. Lisa Goodman and Kelsey Schwab from Washington Park Chiropractic were invited to the CU Cancer Center to meet some of those involved in the pancreatic cancer research and to present the proceeds from the golf tournament. During their visit they were invited to tour the labs, watch live pancreatic cancer cells on a microscope and see exactly where the money raised from the Kingsbury Open goes to. They also got a peak at the state of the art Roche LightCycler machine that the lab was able to purchase through the funding received from WINGS OF HOPE.

Dr. Colin Weekes, Maureen Shul, Dr. Lisa Goodman, Kelsey Schwab, Rebecca Ferguson and Mark Kochevar

July, 2015 - WINGS OF HOPE PARTNERS SHANE LEE GOLF TOURNAMENT

WINGS OF HOPE was again proud partner of the 4th annual Shane Lee Memorial Golf Tournament held on a spectacular Saturday morning at Marina Butte Golf Course in Loveland. Over 130 golfers played in memory of Shane Lee, who lost his fight with pancreatic cancer in 2011. Loved and admired by his coworkers at Noble Energy, the tournament was established in Shane's memory to raise funding for the pancreatic cancer research ongoing at the University of Colorado Cancer Center, Anschutz Medical Campus.

MAY 28, 2015 - SR-71 BLACKBIRD presentation photos by Wings of Hope photographer Lynn Zahorik:

MAY 2015 - Talking about Hope, Soaring and Spying

Story and photos by Danielle Corriveau

SR-71 “Blackbird” pilot Brian Shul and navigator Walter Watson took guests of the 4th annual Wings of Hope benefit on a riveting ride. The duo detailed their covert spy plane missions and shared about the unbelievable individual journey each one took to soar in the world’s fastest flying jet. Brain Shul also signed copies of his award-winning books “Sled Driver” and “The Untouchables.”

Prior to the headline presentation, City of Castle Pines Founding Mayor and Wings of Hope for Pancreatic Cancer Research Founder Maureen Shul gracefully and poetically shared her story of launching the organization. In 2012, she lost both her brother and mother to pancreatic cancer. She channeled her grief into providing hope. In its first year, Wings of Hope raised $45,000, which doubled the following year to $90,000. In 2013, Wings of Hope entered into a formal partnership with the University of Colorado Cancer Center. As a result, Wings of Hope efforts became focused on raising awareness and funding for the pancreatic cancer research ongoing at the CU Cancer Center. In 2015, Wings of Hope established the first endowment for pancreatic cancer research at the CU Cancer Center and is on track to raise $250,000 for CU’s pancreatic cancer research.

“What starts as a single cell gone awry takes monumental effort to fight,” shared Maureen. That effort needs increase as pancreatic cancer, currently the fourth leading cause of cancer deaths, is on track to move to number two within the next five years.

She was followed by Dr. Lisa Goodman, who relayed how her medical training helped her advocate for her father to get tested further for his back pain, an act which ultimately revealed he had pancreatic cancer. She channeled her grief into organizing a golf tournament in her father’s honor and brightly shared that it raised $20,000. The funds are going to help Wings of Hope in its mission to fund ongoing pancreatic cancer research.

“I’m excited to partner with Wings of Hope,” said a smiling Dr. Goodman. “It’s an honor to work with Maureen.”

Elias Gebru, originally from Africa, spoke beautifully about his journey of being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, and despite not having his own family here, had family through Wings of Hope. People, such as Dr. Purcell, helped him navigate his treatment and balance his living situation.

Dr. Jill Pechacek came to the podium with five guiding words. The first was Dream. Since she was 4, she dreamed of being a physician. At 26, months away from realizing that dream, she was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. She went through treatment while finishing medical school. She elected not to have surgery so she had a shot at her next dream: Motherhood. With palpable pride, she shared she is the mother of three and pointed out her children sitting in the second row. She gave Faith as her third word. She now has a new challenge and needs faith and strength to say each day “Not ‘Why me,’ but instead ‘Chose me, Use me so I may do some good and help others today.’” She’s strong in her faith as, at age 46, she was diagnosed with stage-4 pancreatic cancer.

“I tell every doctor ‘I need 10.’ They don’t understand and I say ‘I need 10 years so I can see my children graduate from high school,’ ” shared Dr. Pechacek.

She added Grateful and Give to her list, relaying that she is grateful for every moment, especially those with her children and encouraged the audience to give supporting words, volunteer time and contribute their resources.

“If you can give someone the words ‘I believe in You’ you will be giving powerfully. Those words fuel my faith and fill my spirit.”

A silent slide show closed the opening segment of the program. With the same grace in which all the messaging was delivered, the last slide read “Heartfully. Hopefully. Honestly. Thank You.” These simple words of truth conveyed the deep appreciation Wings of Hope has for its supporters. Yet, the one who wrote them, Maureen Shul, is the one most deserving of them.

APRIL 2015 - 2ND ANNUAL SIPPING N' PAINTING EVENING

WINGS OF HOPE hosts its 2nd annual evening of painting and sipping (wine) for pancreatic cancer patients and their families at Sipping n' Painting Hampden.

JANUARY 2015 - WINGS OF HOPE REPRESENTED AT ANNUAL KNOCK OUT CANCER GALA, TO BENEFIT THE UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO CANCER CENTER

The annual KNOCK OUT CANCER GALA was held at the Denver Hyatt Regency with Denver-based band The Fray wowing the packed crowd. Co-chaired by Nancy and Philip Anschutz, Mary and Bruce Benson, Maureen and John Harney and Marcia and Dick Robinson, the event is to benefit the University of Colorado Cancer Center, the only NCI-designated cancer center within an 800 mile radius.

11/13/14 - WINGS OF HOPE VIDEO shown at October 30, 2014 Benefit

Wings of Hope Gala 2014 from Liquid Luck Productions on Vimeo.

OCTOBER 30, 2014 - 3rd ANNUAL WINGS OF HOPE BENEFIT

The 3rd Annual WINGS OF HOPE BENEFIT was held at The Wildlife Experience with keynote speaker ERIC ALEXANDER, recounting his historic climb to the top of Mt. Everest. Emcee JOHN BRACKNEY introduced WINGS OF HOPE founder MAUREEN SHUL, who, in her remarks, announced the establishment of the first endowment at the CU Cancer Center for pancreatic cancer research by WINGS OF HOPE. Dr. COLIN WEEKES shared with the sellout audience how the $45,000 received by the CU Cancer Center after last year's event was used, and the current research projects taking place. KELLEY GLEASON, KATHRYN HABER and JIM COMERFORD shared their personal experiences with pancreatic cancer that touched every person in the audience. A WINGS OF HOPE video was shown that highlighted MELANIE AVNER'S personal account of how pancreatic cancer impacted her life, as well as local author and artist ARTURO GARCIA, a pancreatic cancer survivor. Arturo Garcia's artwork was not only on display and for sale before and after the event, he also generously donated one of his more popular paintings, "Broncos," for the live auction. GARY CORBETT brought his own unique energy as auctioneer and had the crowd thoroughly entertained and giving generously to the WINGS OF HOPE efforts.

Heartfelt thanks to our generous sponsors, attendees, donors, speakers, auctioneer and volunteers who made the evening so profoundly meaningful and successful.

Special thanks to photographer LYNN ZAHORIK for the following photos.

Wings of Hope for Pancreatic Cancer Research past event.

The first WINGS OF HOPE benefit took place October 22nd, 2011 at the Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space Museum. The event, organized by former Castle Pines Mayor Maureen Shul and sponsored by the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, was to help raise awareness and research funding for pancreatic cancer.

Featured speaker at the aviation-themed gala was Maureen's brother, SR-71 Pilot Brian Shul, author of the acclaimed "Sled Driver." Brian shared his inspiring story of being shot down in Vietnam, hospitalized for injuries sustained for nearly two years, only to come back to pilot the top-secret Blackbird, the world's fastest and highest flying aircraft ever built.

Maureen Shul organized the WINGS OF HOPE benefit in honor of her mother and brother, Victor, both of whom died of pancreatic cancer.

It was just months after losing her brother that Maureen's mother was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, this in addition to the Alzheimer's disease she had been diagnosed with eight years earlier. Blanche Shul passed away from pancreatic cancer three months after being diagnosed, never aware that her son had succumbed to the disease months earlier.

Propelled by grief and a desire to honor her brother and mother, Maureen's goal for WINGS OF HOPE was to help raise awareness and research dollars for pancreatic cancer. "My family was stunned as to how little there was in the way of early diagnostic testing for pancreatic cancer," Shul states. "Just as shocking, the five-year survival rate has remained at just six percent for the last 40 years." Despite no early detection tools, no effective treatments and no cure, just two percent of the National Cancer Institute's federal research funding is allocated to pancreatic cancer.

"My desire is that WINGS OF HOPE will raise awareness as well as research funding to mount a viable assault on the disease," Shul states. "When you suffer through losses this profound you are compelled to do something to honor your loved ones in ways that will hopefully result in more awareness and resources to help the many others whose lives have been or will be impacted by this horrific disease."