My Journey with Pancreatic Cancer


On May 29, 2025, I received the news that changed everything. I was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.

Hearing those words was like having the ground pulled out from under me. Since then, life has become a whirlwind of appointments, tests, and tough decisions. Chemotherapy has been recommended for treatment and then surgery.

Because of the physical demands and side effects, I’ve had to stop working my part-time job. I’m 68 years old and have been working since I was 18. Now, as I undergo cancer treatments and face overwhelming medical bills, it’s difficult for me to ask for help.  Like many facing a serious illness, I’ve found that the emotional weight can be just as heavy as the physical one. Some days are harder than others, but I’m determined to keep going with the mindset of one day and one step at a time.

Emotional support, kind words, messages of encouragement, or simply knowing someone is thinking of me helps me stay grounded and hopeful through it all. 

This isn’t an easy journey, but I believe in the strength of community and the power of kindness. Whether you’re able to give, share, or send love, please know that your support makes a real difference.

Thank you for walking beside me.

With gratitude,

Jackie Palmer

Cancer

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Jackie Palmer

Jackie's Cancer Journey

The family-friendly restaurant is famous for hand-cut steaks, made-from-scratch sides, fresh-baked bread, and a lively atmosphere.
Based in Louisville, Kentucky, Texas Roadhouse opened its doors in 1993 and has more than 611 locations in 49 states and ten countries.
Newsweek recognized Texas Roadhouse as one of America's Best Customer Service restaurants in the Casual Dining category in 2019.
Why We Love This Gift: We love this gift because there is something very satisfying - and delicious, too - about a big and juicy steak. What's not to love?
What To Express In Your Card: Enjoy a night out - you deserve it. Let's chat soon?

Texas Roadhouse

The family-friendly restaurant is famous for hand-cut steaks, made-from-scratch sides, fresh-baked bread, and a lively atmosphere.

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Texas Roadhouse - Texas Roadhouse Gift Card

With your favorite restaurants at your fingertips, DoorDash satisfies your cravings and connects you with possibilities -- more time and energy for yourself and those you love.
Why We Love This Gift: In every situation, food is necessary. Let your recipient select exactly what they want to eat - and have it delivered. Win and Win.
What To Express in Your Card: I am thinking of you and I want you to eat something that appeals to you. You choose. xo

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DoorDash - DoorDash Gift Card

Uber Eats is the easy way to get the food you love delivered.
Why We Love This Gift: We love this gift because it allows the recipient to choose exactly what they want, when they want it. Sometimes we need to have a backup plan tucked away in our pocket, and Uber Eats is it. Bonus: Uber Eats gift cards are also redeemable for Uber rides.
What To Say In Your Card: Please eat something. I am thinking about you.

Uber Eats

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Uber Eats - Uber Eats Gift Card

This is the perfect gift for any family or any loved one with medical needs. Send help to those you love to provide care in the form of a CVS e-gift card.
Why We Love This Gift: We love this gift because everyone has medical needs from time to time. Often, medical insurance with high deductibles eats into the ability of a family to cover unanticipated medical expenses. An e-gift card ensures that those you love get that which they need to heal - with adequate respect for their privacy. Perfect. This is very useful in any medical crisis in very specific ways. Supplements useful in various treatments are expensive and not covered. This is applicable to surgical patients, cancer patients, pediatric patients, and more. Medical equipment can be ordered - such as canes or walkers and your recipient can pay using their gift card.
What To Express in Your Card: What else do you need me to do? At the ready. xo

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CVS Pharmacy

CVS Pharmacy&reg; - CVS Pharmacy Gift Card

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This e-gift card allows access to all Walmart products. Useful for anyone anywhere.
Why We Love This Gift: We love this gift because it offers access to things like pharmacies when a family you love is in need. Many aspects of surgical care are not covered by insurance - these expenses can add up. This is especially true when a family is on a fixed income. Items like canes, walkers, surgical gauze, and more - can all be underwritten in this way. (Bonus: It respects, as well, the privacy and dignity of the person you love). Supplements that are doctor recommended (always check) can also be covered in this manner. Walmart also just has everything so for someone who has lost their job it enables them to get what they need without spelling it all out. People are proud.
What To Express in Your Card: You'd do exactly the same. xo

Walmart

Walmart - Walmart Gift Card

Amazon gift cards never expire and they carry no fees. Redeemable towards millions of items at Amazon.com and also certain affiliated websites. Deliverable electronically and instantly.
Why We Love This Gift: We love this gift because it's appropriate for any situation. Let your recipient choose just what they need, when they need it... with ease, convenience, and endless options.
What To Express In Your Card: I'm sending you my love.

Amazon.com

Amazon.com - Amazon Gift Card

Join your neighbors at Applebee's for delicious food, friendly service, and a hometown atmosphere that cannot be beat. From American classics like Applebee's House Sirloin to signature dishes like their Fiesta Lime Chicken, Applebee's is the go-to place for great food and good times.
Why We Love This Gift: Applebee's is suitable for any occasion. Situations in which a meal is a good choice include military spouses coping with a deployed spouse. Buy them a meal to let them know you are thinking of them. Or, those who have lost a loved one may sometimes permit themselves a little comfort and companionship. In such a circumstance, a meal shared is a true and lasting kindness. If the deceased was a breadwinner, the bereaved may be watching the wallet. Enable this person you love to grab a meal - wherever s/he is.
What To Express in Your Card: I am thinking of you.

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Applebee's&reg; - Applebee's® Gift Card

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Amie hugs her boys

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Lori Shaffer

In a child's mind - the word cancer isn't necessarily a scary word. Get tips for how to talk to your kids about a cancer diagnosis.

Talking to Your Kids About Your Cancer - Give InKind

I have cancer. How do I tell my kids? In a child&#8217;s mind &#8211; the word cancer isn&#8217;t necessarily a scary word. Don&#8217;t scare them with your own fear. When Amie Lands was diagnosed with aggressive Head &amp; Neck cancer, her boys were only six and two. Throughout her battle, Amie, a Certified Grief Coach, [&hellip;]

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General Support

Setting up a food train is one of the best ways to help support someone you love. Here are some tips on how to give groceries as a gift.

How to Give Groceries as a Gift for a Meal Train

How to Give Groceries as a Gift for a Meal Train - Give InKind

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Tara Shafer

Sharagim Kemp, M.D. suggests the most helpful ways to support a family whose loved one is in treatment for cancer. Visit Give InKind for additional information.

How To Help A Family Through Cancer Treatment

Sharagim Kemp, M.D. suggests the most helpful ways to help a family whose loved one is in treatment for cancer. Visit Give InKind for more.

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