Sandy Smalley Is Creating a Better Future

"Charitable giving is a shared blessing."

That is what Sandy Smalley believes. This has been a lifelong family tradition and ideology. Her parents, Sunny and Isadore Familian, were well-known philanthropists and community leaders in Los Angeles. For Sandy and her husband Marvin, it became second nature to be charitable. Their children continue the family's legacy by supporting causes close to them.

Sandy and Marvin met when they were just teenagers - they were together 70 years.

"It was just a beautiful marriage. We shared the same beliefs and views. He was so very kind. Everyone always said what a sweet and kind man Marvin was. He didn't like going to doctors though, and that's why his disease progressed so quickly."

From Symptoms to Diagnosis

"After his pancreatic cancer diagnosis, my kids asked how I knew something was wrong," Sandy said. "A year before he passed, I could tell he was changing. His stomach was distended, but he rarely complained."

When his symptoms got worse, Marvin took himself to a doctor who ordered an MRI. He was then referred to an oncologist who explained the imaging to him and Sandy. Marvin had pancreatic cancer, and it had spread.

A week later, Marvin and Sandy returned to the oncologist's office to discuss next steps.

"We asked the doctor what he would do for his own father," Sandy shared. "His physician said he would ask him, 'Do you want to pursue aggressive treatment options, or do you want to go home?'"

Four months later, Marvin passed away at the age of 90. The days between diagnosis and Marvin's death were filled with family, love and cherished memories.

"We have a wonderful family and I don't know how we would have made it without them. Everyone visited. The months were difficult, but we got through. I feel very blessed," Sandy said.

A Family History of Cancer

When Marvin first went to the doctor, he was asked about his family history.

"His mother had died from what the doctors at the time said was 'stomach cancer.' We didn't have more details than that, so it could have been pancreatic cancer," Sandy said.

Sandy, herself, is a breast cancer survivor, as are two of her daughters. A son of hers is currently affected by cancer.

"I've had genetic testing and I'm good. Testing revealed I had one non-cancer related disease and I shared that with my children and grandchildren. I'm a huge supporter of genetic testing and counseling. It's very important and could be life changing."

Hopes for a Better Future

Looking ahead, Sandy has hopes of a brighter future in the diagnosis and treatment of patients with pancreatic cancer. She recognizes the importance to support and fund research − that's why she became a PanCAN supporter.

"One of the things that is so special to me is PanCAN's mission to take bold action to improve the lives of everyone impacted by pancreatic cancer," Sandy shared. "I was drawn to support PanCAN Patient Services because of the resources they provide for patients and families, especially in small communities.

"I asked Julie Fleshman, PanCAN's president and CEO, where I could make the biggest impact and address the organization's greatest needs − I told her I was grateful to be able to help wherever I can."

Sandy has a vision for PanCAN and the greater pancreatic cancer research community. She wants to see the field grow. She hopes her philanthropy will not only improve treatment options, but help with earlier detection through genetic testing and imaging.

"Pancreatic cancer is devastating. No one talks about it until it affects them. I hope this disease gets the attention it deserves."

People like Sandy are the reason PanCAN will demand more, do more and deliver more for every individual touched by pancreatic cancer today and all those who will face it tomorrow.

"We had a wonderful life and I'm still healthy. I'm so grateful to be able to make this donation to help patients and families impacted by disease."