Someone You Should Know: Meghan Murray Combs

Editor's Note: Meghan Murray Combs, 38, has lived in Brighton all her life. Married to Anthony Combs with two daughters, Grace, 8, Vivian, 5, she works as a pharmaceutical representative, and volunteers in her free time with the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network. For her work to increase funding and awareness for this disease, Meghan Murray Combs is this week's Someone You Should Know.

Meghan Murray Combs

Mission: I became a volunteer education and outreach coordinator for Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, Detroit Affiliate, after I lost my mom to pancreatic cancer two years ago. I was devastated and couldn't believe the dismal statistics associated with the disease and that nothing had changed in 40 years. I knew I had an obligation to be part of the change. 

I work to educate the public and medical community about Pancreatic Cancer Action Network and the wonderful services it provides to patients and caregivers facing pancreatic cancer, through health fairs and meeting with physicians.  

I am also very involved in advocacy within the organization, which works with legislators and the National Cancer Institute (NCI) to try to increase the budget for pancreatic cancer research. It is the most underfunded, under-recognized and least studied of all major cancer killers, with only 2 percent of NCI's annual budget dedicated to pancreatic cancer research.

Hundreds of advocates, like me, go to Washington, D.C. every year (June 13-14) to meet with legislators to tell their stories and make a plea for more funding in order to increase the pitiful survival rates. Currently 75 percent of pancreatic cancer patients die within the first year. Just 6 percent survive more than five years. There are no early detection tests or effective treatments for pancreatic cancer, so we have a lot of work to do. But I enjoy a challenge and I know that progress will be made if we work hard enough.

The Pancreatic Cancer Action Network is the national organization creating hope in a comprehensive way through research, patient support, community outreach and advocacy for a cure. The organization is leading the way to increase the survival rate for people diagnosed with this devastating disease through a bold initiative — The Vision of Progress: Double the Pancreatic Cancer Survival Rate by 2020.

Key to success: I think my success in working with the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network comes from my passion for making a difference in this disease. My mom was like that too, and she would be here fighting to make a difference if it had been me that had been diagnosed.

I've learned that the most successful people in life are the ones that are truly passionate about what they do. I feel strongly that those of us left behind are obligated to help improve outcomes, since there are so few survivors to do the work.

One of my favorite books is: The Last Lecture by Randy Pausch. He was a Carnegie Mellon University professor who was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer at the age of 48. He became famous when his lecture was put on YouTube and viewed by more than one million people in the first month.

Randy went on to write the book while receiving treatment for the disease. He left three small children and a wife behind after losing his brave battle. I love his book because it doesn't focus on having the disease, but on how to live out your dreams. It's helped me become a better parent, friend, wife and daughter.

Favorite spot in Brighton: I like to hang out with my family at the in Brighton. It's peaceful and has such a hometown feeling to it. I used to walk along it with my family when I was little and it brings back nice memories.

In my next life I'd like to be ... Probably be a psychologist. People come to me for advice often, and I enjoy helping them see that there are usually more answers to a problem than they think.

Anyone interested in learning more about Pancreatic Cancer Action Network can go to http://www.pancan.org or contact Meghan Combs at mcombs@pancanvolunteer.org.