Charting New Waters: Michael's Pancreatic Cancer Journey
Watch our MCW Pancreatic Patient Stories
Milwaukee Brewers Medical Director Roger Caplinger’s Story
As Sr. Director of Medical Operations for the Milwaukee Brewers, Roger Caplinger is accustomed to taking care of the health needs of others. On December 1, 2017, however, it became time for others to care for him. That’s the day he heard two of the scariest words a doctor can utter: pancreatic cancer. Roger decided immediately to adopt a fighting spirit. “I’ve been in baseball my whole adult life, so I have a baseball analogy for this,” he said. “It’s like a curveball. You can either take it or you can crush it. We chose to crush it. Meaning we are going to take this disease head-on.” “Fighting any disease takes a TEAM effort. We have been blessed to have the best team, the Medical College of Wisconsin and the Milwaukee Brewers.”
At MCW, pancreatic cancer care is multidisciplinary and includes specialists from many areas to collaborate and develop a cohesive treatment plan tailored to each patient. From diagnosis to cure, Roger underwent several rounds of chemotherapy, as well as radiation and a surgery known as the Whipple procedure. Roger said, “I wear this bracelet that says ‘Mr. Happy’ to remind that everyone at MCW is there to guide us through this journey.”
Roger was also fortunate to have participated in a clinical trial pioneered by the doctors from the MCW LaBahn Pancreatic Cancer Program. Clinical trials and research are key to discovering new treatments and providing the best care to patients. Roger commented, “MCW is leading the fight against pancreatic cancer as they are treating the patients of today and treating the patients of tomorrow. We’ve done medication trials- and, collaborated with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) with tumor research. These innovative research studies are vitally important to the patients of tomorrow; we’ve done these things to help them. The studies may not be helping me right now but they’re going to help somebody else.”
After beating pancreatic cancer Roger explained, “We’re not done. My battle was won. Now, we’re going to battle for everybody else. My family and I, are committed to bring a cure for pancreatic cancer, and it’s starts with the MCW LaBahn Pancreatic Cancer Program.” Roger and his wife Jackie believe in paying it forward. They raised tens of thousands of dollars for the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network through its annual Purple Stride walk at Miller Park. They also hosted a fundraiser with the Brewers called the ‘Purple Tie Guy’ at Miller Park with all the major Brewers players and raised over $50,000 for the MCW LaBahn Pancreatic Cancer Program.
Living Life Fully: Randy's Journey
This inspiring video chronicles Randy’s journey from a challenging pancreatic cancer diagnosis to living life to the fullest. With humor, positivity, and the unwavering support of his family and Dr. Evans' team, Randy faced his treatment head-on and emerged stronger. Now, he and his wife are exploring the country, embracing every moment. Randy’s story is a testament to the power of specialized care and a positive attitude.
The Voice of Pancreatic Cancer
Each episode will bring the most innovative minds in pancreatic cancer research together to share the latest news about early detection and advances in pancreatic cancer treatments. The goal is to supercharge the learning experience and widen awareness about this dreadful disease. The panels will include world-renowned research oncologists, pancreatic cancer surgeons, clinical trial lead investigators, and pancreas cancer patients that share their informative stories.
The mission is moving the latest discoveries about pancreatic cancer forward to save lives, extend patient life, enlighten the public on how to minimize the chances of getting pancreatic cancer, and ways to strengthen patient and doctor communication that will help lead to earlier detection.
Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month Patient Series
2021
Nov. 2 - Susan Tsai, MD, MHS: Building your treatment team
Nov. 3 - Julia Lois, RD: Nutritional: Challenges unique to pancreatic cancer
Nov. 4 - Ben George, MD: Precision medicine & clinical trials in pancreatic cancer
Nov, 5 - David Nelson, PhD, MS: Exploring social determinants for patients with pancreatic cancer
Nov. 9 - Douglas Evans, MD: Hope & a Plan
Nov. 10 - Karen Kersting, PhD, LCP: Sleep Problems & Solutions in Patients with Pancreatic Cancer
2024 Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month Patient Series
Visit the Seena Magowitz YouTube Channel for more videos!
Links
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Seena Magowitz Foundation
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Pancreatic Cancer Support Group- Seena Magowitz
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Kathy's House
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National Pancreas Foundation
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The Word on Medicine
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