Sky Foundation Hosts Nov. 6 Annual Lunch for Pancreatic Cancer Awareness and Research

November is Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month, and the Bloomfield Hills-based Sky Foundation will host its annual lunch fundraiser on Nov. 6 to raise awareness and fund early detection research of pancreatic cancer.

Sheila Sky Kasselman, a 9-year survivor of pancreatic cancer, began Sky Foundation in June 2008. The event takes place at the MGM Grand Hotel in Detroit.

“At Sky we are funding researchers who are making real progress against this disease, and we are also an important resource for those who are newly diagnosed,” said Kasselman.

Keynote speaker Diane Simeone, MD, FACS, director of the Pancreatic Cancer Program at University of Michigan Health System, will give an update on current research progress at the Nov. 6 event. In addition to lunch and entertainment, guests will have the opportunity to bid on many exciting items in the live and silent auctions organized by event chairpersons Mary Beth Castorri of West Bloomfield and Niki Gallaudet of Beverly Hills.

“We have some outstanding auction items this year, thanks to our extremely generous donors,” said Castorri. “Highlights include sports memorabilia and tickets, vacation getaways, and even a trip to see the sold-out ‘Hamilton’ in New York City.”

Gallaudet added, “We’ll also be revealing our newest video in a series that has attracted a following. It’s an entertaining piece that, importantly, has the potential to really spread awareness and information about this disease.”

Sky Foundation’s 8th Annual Lunch takes place from noon until 3 p.m. at the MGM Grand Hotel, 1777 3rd St. in Detroit. Complimentary parking at the hotel entrance is included in the ticket price.

For sponsorship opportunities and to order tickets, visit www.skyfoundationinc.org or call 248-385-5143. Follow updates on Facebook @skyfoundationinc and on Twitter @skyresearch.

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Video, "Do YOU Know Where the Pancreas is Located?" (3:22): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m3W4WCs4OYk

#PancreaticCancerAwarenessMonth