When my dad received a diagnosis of pancreatic cancer (PC), I was clueless about his symptoms and how the disease would progress. When the doctor said the cancer was already too far advanced for any meaningful treatment, I panicked. Going online, I found the Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions Pancreas Cancer Web, which provided a comprehensive overview of PC, plus discussion boards for patients and caregivers who were living with the disease. They also had a bereavement site, for those who had lost a loved one to PC. For the next three months while my dad battled the cancer, I was an active participant on the main discussion board, posting questions and getting answers from others who were simultaneously traveling this scary path. When my dad passed away, I was devastated. I once again turned to the Pancreas Cancer Web and joined their bereavement discussion group.

Designed for those who were dealing with the loss of a loved one to PC, the Pancreas Cancer Bereavement Discussion site unites dozens of individuals who are trying to deal with some of the darkest days of their lives. Members can post anonymously, but choosing a screen name helps make a more personal connection between those who are seeing support and those who are giving it. As a newly bereaved daughter, I found a community of caring and compassionate people who understood my loss. Some of them, like me, had recently suffered the death of a friend or family member. Some of them had been dealing with their grief issues for some time. Others continued to participate on the discussion forums, even though they had already come to terms with their loss. These people -- virtual strangers -- were wonderful. They totally understood my feelings, my anger, my depression and my incessant questioning about what I could have done differently to cause a better outcome. There was an immediate bond with Lillie from Alabama, Traci from Indiana, Leah from Canada and Liz from Ohio. These faceless angels were responsible for pulling me through my grief and helping me find acceptance and peace again. I am now one of the posters who has remained on the Bereavement Board, helping the newcomers the way others helped me. There is a great deal of satisfaction knowing that you have the ability to make a difference in the lives of people who are facing utter despair.

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Oversight of the Bereavement Discussion is by Johns Hopkins, a world-class medical institution in Baltimore and one of the leaders in the diagnosis and treatment of pancreas cancer. PC is the 4th leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States. It strikes approximately 38,000 individuals each year and has only a 5% survival rate. Once diagnosed, the life expectancy is usually between six months and a year.