World Pancreatic Cancer Day Patient Reunion at Jupiter Medical Center Celebrated Strength and Community

Jupiter, FL – December 2, 2024 – Jupiter Medical Center observed World Pancreatic Cancer Day with a heartfelt gathering, bringing together survivors, their families, and the team of compassionate healthcare professionals who stood by them every step of the way. The event was a powerful testament to the resilience and courage of those affected by pancreatic cancer.

Pancreatic cancer is one of the deadliest cancers, challenging to diagnose early due to a lack of routine screening tests and the absence of symptoms until it has spread. Its location near vital organs complicates treatment. Initiatives like the World Pancreatic Cancer Day Patient Reunion are essential for raising awareness and highlighting the need for early detection and research.

Joann Epstein was one patient who shared her journey after being diagnosed with stage four pancreatic cancer. After nearly two years and 36 rounds of chemotherapy, she underwent surgery in 2023 on her liver, spleen, and pancreas, performed by Dr. Shanel Bhagwandin, Medical Director of the Gastrointestinal (GI) Surgical Oncology Program and Program Director of the National Pancreas Foundation Pancreatic Cancer Center of Excellence at Jupiter Medical Center. Two weeks later, Dr. Bhagwandin shared with her that she was, for the moment, cancer-free.

“I know there is no promise that my cancer will not return,” said Epstein, “but for now I am living my best life possible and even playing tennis three times a week. I feel so blessed to have a wonderful cancer center with amazing doctors right here in Jupiter.”

Epstein, along with many other grateful patients, shared her optimism for finding a cure for this life-threatening disease. “The statistics are still not great, but research is being done and discoveries are being made so there is reason to be optimistic. I am a prime example of why you should never give up.”

“World Pancreatic Cancer Day is an opportunity for us to celebrate the survivorship of this disease,” said Dr. Bhagwandin. “A lot of people in this room are a testament to how we can challenge the daunting survival statistic. Their stories hallmark how we can continue to treat this disease and, more importantly, why we continue to fight for these successes.”

The Anderson Family Cancer Institute (AFCI) at Jupiter Medical Center is at the forefront of pancreatic cancer care. It has been nationally recognized as a Center of Excellence for Pancreas Cancer by the National Pancreas Foundation. There are only 77 Centers of Excellence nationwide with this designation, and Jupiter Medical Center is one of seven centers in the state of Florida. AFCI has also been named one of Becker’s Healthcare’s 100+ Great Oncology Programs.

With a multidisciplinary group of oncology experts, including surgical oncologists, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, diagnostic and interventional radiologists, genetic counselors, and patient navigators, patients can receive all aspects of oncology care and treatment in one location.

For more information about Jupiter Medical Center, visit jupitermed.com, call (561) 263-2234, or follow Jupiter Medical Center on Facebook and Instagram @jupitermedicalcenter or on Twitter @JupiterMedCtr.

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ABOUT JUPITER MEDICAL CENTER
Rated #1 in the region for quality, safety, and patient experience, Jupiter Medical Center is the leading destination for world-class health care in Palm Beach County and across the Treasure Coast. Jupiter Medical Center’s state-of-the-art facilities and leading-edge technologies enable its award-winning physicians to provide a comprehensive continuum of inpatient and outpatient health care services. Jupiter Medical Center’s specialty centers of excellence include comprehensive cancer care, cardiovascular care, orthopedics, neurosciences, and women’s and children’s services. For more information about Jupiter Medical Center, please call 561-263-2234 or visit www.jupitermed.com.