Over 1,000 Voices for Change
First up: we’ve officially passed 1,000 signatures on our Change.org petition, calling for pancreatic cancer to become a true national priority. But let’s be clear—this isn’t just a number or a box checked. Every signature represents someone who’s had enough of the silence, the slow progress, and the status quo.
It’s families who have lost someone and want to make sure no one else falls through the cracks. It’s people newly diagnosed who refuse to be a statistic. It’s medical professionals, friends, and neighbors who see the gaps in our system and know we can do better. When we scroll through those names and messages, it’s a reminder that this issue cuts across age, background, and geography—uniting Canadians who are done waiting for action.
For us at The Heather Cutler Foundation, passing 1,000 signatures is a moment to pause and appreciate how far this conversation has come in just a few months. But more than that, it’s a sign that we’re tapping into a shared urgency—a feeling that it’s time for governments, healthcare systems, and research leaders to stop talking about change and actually deliver it.
Every new signature is another voice demanding answers, better options, and more hope for Canadians facing pancreatic cancer. It’s proof that when people come together—even one signature at a time—we can start to shift the conversation and make it impossible for decision-makers to look away.
What We’re Watching: National Biomarker Testing Progress
We’re also keeping a close eye on a big development for the whole cancer community. Back in December 2024, the Pan-Canadian Cancer Genomics Community of Practice announced work on a consensus framework to bring biomarker testing into standard cancer care. This isn’t just a technical upgrade—it could be a game changer, especially for people with pancreatic cancer.
But as always, the details matter. We’ve reached out directly to understand what this will look like for real patients, especially in places like Newfoundland and Labrador where “wait and see” has gone on far too long. Progress on paper means nothing if it doesn’t actually reach the people who need it.
Getting Practical: Memorial University of Newfoundland
Another big update: next week we start onboarding students and alumni from Memorial University of Newfoundland to design, launch, and collect data for our first-ever national survey focused on the lived experience of pancreatic cancer. We’re starting here in Newfoundland and Labrador—because we know this is where the biggest gaps exist—and then rolling out the survey to other provinces across Canada.
Heather Cutler Foundation
If you’re at Memorial, keep an eye out for our posters. Students, alumni, and faculty are all invited to help us finalize Canada’s next health policy brief. Expect flexible, remote hours (about 10–20 total) and official volunteer certification. Interested? Email [email protected] by July 1.
Parliament Returns, Petition Action Resumes
With Parliament back in session May 19, we’re ramping up the push for e-5186. The data and stories from our survey—and the support from our petition—will go straight into our federal policy submission to the House of Commons.
Why It Matters—Especially Here
Canadians facing pancreatic cancer in Atlantic Canada are up against the lowest survival rates in the country, some of the longest waits, and almost zero access to clinical trials. That’s not just a statistic—it’s a call to do better, right now. If you’ve got experience in public health, healthcare research, or policy—or you just want to be part of changing outcomes—reach out and join us.
Kicking PancreAS Is Back May 31
One more thing: our next Kicking PancreAS event is happening May 31 at 6:30 PM, Quidi Vidi. It’s not just a fun run—it’s a way to show up, support the community, and move the conversation forward.
On Saturday, May 31, 2025, the Quidi Vidi Loop in St. John’s will come alive with the energy and determination of participants in the Kicking PancreAS™ 5K, a national run/walk dedicated to raising awareness and funds for pancreatic cancer. Organized by Craig’s Cause Pancreatic Cancer Society, this event is more than just a race—it’s a movement to change the outcome for those affected by one of the deadliest cancers.
Event Details:
- Date: Saturday, May 31, 2025
- Location: Royal St. John’s Regatta Boathouse, Quidi Vidi, St. John’s, NL
- Check-in: 6:30 PM
- Start Time: 7:30 PM
- Race Route: Open for 90 minutes
- Attire: Participants are encouraged to wear purple and glow-in-the-dark gear; costumes are welcome!
- Registration: Register here
