DEPARTING CEO REFLECTS ON HIS TIME AT THE NPF
After six years of leading the National Pancreas Foundation, Matt Alsante has stepped down as CEO. We sat down and talked with him about his time with the NPF.
What initially attracted you first to the NPF?
I wanted to work for an organization that was well established, national in nature, and had a mission that was really important to me. I also wanted to work for an organization with a great board of directors, who were looking for someone to partner with to help take them to the next level.
Did you have a connection with the pancreas?
I had a dear uncle who died from pancreatic cancer.
What are some of the changes you've seen since you've been here?
In the 6 years of leading the NPF, I have seen more research, more enthusiasm, and more hope for those fighting pancreatitis and pancreatic cancer then ever before. I see the difference that the NPF is making in the lives of patients and families, while helping to educate, train, and inspire the next generation of physician leaders.
What's been your most rewarding moment at the NPF? Most memorable moment?
My most memorable moments at the NPF involve patient round tables. When you hear what patients and families go through on a daily basis battling this disease, it re-energizes you to work even harder on their behalf. The other memories are the generous donors at our Galas always amaze me. When we do a fund-a-grant and the donations become contagious and those donations go directly to fund research. It is very rewarding and inspiring.
Where are you headed to next?
What will you miss most about the NPF?
I will be starting up a biotech. I get to build and lead their patient advocacy program and work with great foundations, similar to the National Pancreas Foundation.
I will miss the relationships and the friendships I have made. I will miss working with a great staff, a supportive board and the great patient and physicians who are part of our NPF family. I will truly miss our founders, Patter Birsic and Jane Holt. Two of the most passionate and dedicated people you will ever meet and it has been my honor and privilege to work with them for the last six years.
Thank you for all you have done Matt and we wish you the best in your next endeavor!
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PEDIATRIC PANCREATITIS: KATHERINE AND HUNTER'S STORY
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Pancreatitis is not a disease that is just situated in the United States. The NPF receives numerous emails and calls from those abroad, looking for an answer.
Katherine Cross, from New South Wales, Australia, shares the story of her son, Hunter, 8, who was diagnosed with reoccurring idiopathic pancreatitis when he was 6. But he's had symptoms of pancreatitis when he was a baby.
As a caregiver, there are exceptions that are placed as a parent/family member. "I'm not ashamed to say that at times I've been at the hospital and I've totally lost it," said Katherine. "I know it's okay for me to lose it, because I'm advocating for him because it's so hard to watch him. Right now we just have to take it as it comes. It's a terrible, terrible disease and I hope we one day we are all fortunate enough to have a cure or even an answer that simple things for us."
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Education and advocacy are part of the National Pancreas Foundation's (NPF) mission. Please see the list of events that are coming up throughout the year. We hope you are able to join us! For a complete list, please see our
Events Page
.
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PATIENT EDUCATION EVENTS
Texas Chapter Education Event | San Antonio, TX December 7th | Time: 8:30 am – 12:30 pm.
Venue: University Hospital - University Health System, 4502 Medical Dr., San Antonio, TX 78229.
New 2020 Dates Coming soon!
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SUPPORT GROUPS
If you would like to establish a support group in your city, please contact National Chapter Manager, Patrick Salami at psalami@pancreasfoundation.org.
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CHAPTER & NPF EVENTS
*Save the date! More details to follow.
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Please consider the National Pancreas Foundation as your charity of choice when shopping through Amazon Smiles!
The AmazonSmile Foundation will donate 0.5% of the purchase price of eligible products to the charitable organization of your choice.
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Photo Credit: @dallascowboys Instagram
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Thank you Justin March of the Dallas Cowboys for choosing the National Pancreas Foundation and the American Heart Association as your charities of choice for the "My Cause, My Cleats" campaign. The campaign allowed NFL players to choose charities with causes important to them in the form of artistic cleats that they wore in Week 14.
On
Instagram
, he described why this cause was so important to him: "Humbled to be able to represent the American Heart Association and National Pancreas Foundation with my cleats tomorrow for
#mycausemycleats
. These two causes help impact the lives of so many people that are affected by Heart Disease and Pancreatic cancer. Most of you know I lost my little brother and my father to each of these . I am blessed to bring awareness to the world with my cleats tomorrow. Although that only goes so far, I hope if you’re reading this you will do more research and together we will bring more awareness." Thank you Justin for helping us raise awareness for pancreas disease!
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National Pancreas Foundation has provided hope to those suffering from pancreatitis and pancreatic cancer through cutting edge research; advocated for new and better therapies; and offered support and education for patients, caregivers, and health care professionals.
So far this year we’ve held 16 patient, family and caregiver education symposiums with a total of over 250 attendees; responded to 700 inquiries from distressed patients and loved-ones; funded 121 research studies into pancreas disease to find new and better therapies, and held over 350 hours of peer support group sessions.
Nearly 10 years ago, then 17-year old Danielle began suffering from abdominal pain, nausea, and difficulty eating. It took many years of appointments, testing, and other procedures before she was diagnosed with Chronic Pancreatitis due to a ductal abnormality. In 2014, Danielle underwent a total pancreatectomy with islet auto transplantation, and despite becoming a diabetic as a result of the surgery, she has fought to reclaim her life outside the walls of a hospital, without tube feedings and other home health care. Today she is a Certified Athletic Trainer and is busy applying to medical schools to become a physician. Danielle has served as the Chapter Chair for our Capital Region Chapter, and for the last two years has been part of the NPF’s
Team Pancreas
for the Marine Corps Marathon, helping us raise vital funds for our programs. (To read more of her story, please
CLICK HERE
.)
We are so grateful to have supporters like who make stories like this a possibility for patients who are struggling with debilitating, life-changing symptoms.
Today we embark on our Year-End Campaign. Our goal is to fund a cutting-edge research grant by raising $50,000 by December 31, but we can’t do it alone.
Can you make a special year-end contribution of $25, $50, $100, $500 or more to help more patients in need?
With your support, we can impact our pancreatic community in a lasting way. To donate, please
CLICK HERE
.
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On March 3, 2020, the NPF will host the very first Patient-Focused Drug Development (PFDD) meeting on pancreatitis. The PFDD meeting will provide a better understanding of patient perspectives on diseases and plays a vital role in helping the FDA understand the context in which regulatory decisions are made for new drugs. The meeting will take place from 8:30 am - 12:30 am and will be live streamed. To RSVP for either options and for more information, please
CLICK HERE
. We hope to see you on March 3rd!
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