December 29th, 2002

This was a day I will never forget. My father’s suffering from his struggle with Cancer had ceased. He was no longer in pain. He was gone. As the months and days went by prior to this moment, I had witnessed the man who brought me into this world fight the most courageous battle I have ever seen in my life. From the day my family got the news to the day of his passing, I never once thought he was going to pass away. I always knew him as the person who could get through anything. I saw him change in appearance, but always saw him as the same strong human being I had always known. From the changes he went through due to chemo, to the jaundice (yellowing of the skin frequently seen in Pancreatic cancer patients), to the excruciating pain, which was very evident in his expressions, and to the loss of his ability for him to communicate verbally, I still saw his true brave colors. I knew who he was, although he appeared differently. He fought hard, but wound up on the losing end like most Pancreatic cancer victims. He was only 46 years old, far too young for anybody to lose their life.

Pancreatic cancer is known as the “Silent Killer”; this due to the fact that most cases of pancreatic cancer are not diagnosed until it’s in its advanced stage because of the lack of symptoms generated in the early stage. This unfortunate information is a huge factor in why so many people do not survive pancreatic cancer. According to the National Cancer Institute, in 2009 out of an estimated 42,470 new cases, 35,240 had died. It is the fourth highest cancer killer in America. Its death rates have slightly dropped over the years, but by a very minimal amount. While the death rate is staggering for pancreatic cancer, and all cancer in general; improvements are being made with research and funding every day. We must continue to support cancer research and spread as much knowledge about cancer prevention as possible. I am riding to make life longer for everyone, and I have no doubt in my mind we can do that by going forth with this mission.

My father was a great man. He cared deeply for his family and the world he lived in. He left us too early, but still lives on through his entire family.

Joseph Thomas Gaydos

April 11th, 1956 – December 29th, 2002