Missouri National Guardsman promotes pancreatic cancer awareness

Photo By Missouri National Guard | Alan and Debbie Becker stand outside City Hall with the Proclamation in hand stating Jefferson City, Mo., recognizes November as Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month. Debbie dyed her hair purple to raise awareness. (Photo by Staff Sgt. Nicole Reynolds)  

JEFFERSON CITY, MO, UNITED STATES

10.29.2014

Story by Missouri National Guard and Sgt. Mark Owen

Missouri National Guard Public Affairs Office

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – November is Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month in Jefferson City thanks, in part, to the hard work of one citizen-Soldier and her family.

For Staff Sgt. Nicole Reynolds and her parents, Alan and Debbie Becker, attending this month’s city council meeting where Mayor Eric Struemph read the proclamation was an honor and a milestone in a very personal battle.

“It was surreal – we were shocked when they called and said we had to be there tonight,” Alan said. “The proclamation really says a lot.”

When Alan was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer last October, his daughter began researching the disease. She soon discovered there is not much public awareness of the disease, despite the fact that it is the fourth leading cause of cancer deaths nationally. According to the proclamation, more than 850 people have died of pancreatic cancer in Missouri in 2014.

“My whole goal in life now is to raise awareness about it,” Reynolds said.

Increased awareness will save lives, Reynolds said. Her hope is that individuals and families fighting the disease will be better able to find resources and support in their struggle. One of Reynolds’ goals is to start a pancreatic cancer support group in mid-Missouri.

With the help of social media and fundraising events, Reynolds continues to advocate for pancreatic cancer awareness. She has participated in many 5K races, including those in St. Louis and Baltimore.

“I feel like putting my energy into something like running, because it helps me cope with what’s going on,” Reynolds said. “I get emotional running, thinking about it every time. When I cross the finish line, it is like a weight has been lifted off me.”

Alan’s fight has been tough, but this year, he’s drawn inspiration from another underdog: The Kansas City Royals. For Alan, a lifelong Royals fan, watching his team overcome the odds and advance to the World Series has been a dream come true.

Thanks to his daughter, Alan got to see his team play in the post-season when she surprised her parents with playoff tickets for a game in Baltimore. The three made the 1,000 mile trip to Baltimore in less than 20 hours to see Alan’s team win.

“I never dreamed we’d be able to get tickets or even go,” Becker said. “It was surreal and Nicole made it all happen.”

The Royals swept the Orioles to win the American League Pennant and advance to face the San Francisco Giants for their first World Series since 1985.

“Looking at it, I am more excited for my dad to see the fact that he gets to see his team finally make it,” Reynolds said.

Like the Royals had performed in the playoffs, Becker is very proud of the support his family has provided.

“They have really stepped up and made something good come out of this, and that is what I wanted from the beginning,” Becker said.

For more information about the Missouri National Guard, please visit www.moguard.com and our social media sites: www.facebook.com/Missouri.National.Guard; www.twitter.com/Missouri_NG;
www.youtube.com/MoNationalGuard; www.myspace.com/missouri_ng; www.flickr.com/photos/missouriguard; www.moguard.com/blog; www.pinterest.com/monationalguard/

For more information about this release, please contact the Public Affairs Office at 573-638-9846 or e-mail at [e-mail]

• Date Taken: 10.29.2014
• Date Posted: 10.29.2014 18:55
• Story ID: 146510
• Location: JEFFERSON CITY, MO, US
• Hometown: JEFFERSON CITY, MO, US