Caregivers as Advocates

Caregivers as Advocates

Caregivers are essential partners in care, but stepping into this role often happens overnight—bringing complex emotional and physical challenges as relationships and daily lives shift.

On November 5, join us for a conversation dedicated to recognizing, supporting, and empowering pancreatic cancer caregivers. 

This panel explores how caregivers serve as vital advocates, shifting from a passive support role to an active force in navigating healthcare systems, protecting patient rights, and ensuring patient experiences remain centered. Whether advocacy means asking tough questions, communicating daily needs, or sharing your story, there is no single way to navigate this journey.

Discover practical insights, community resources, and how the work caregivers do today is actively transforming pancreatic cancer care for tomorrow.

Meet the Speakers:

Jennifer Lovrics is a patient advocate whose dedication to this work is shaped by her family’s deeply personal experience following her husband Connor’s nearly three-year battle with pancreatic cancer. Guided by Connor's wish to help others, Jen carries his legacy forward by championing efforts to elevate the standard of care for pancreatic cancer. Through her advocacy, she works tirelessly to ensure all patients have equitable access to innovative treatment options and the precious gift of more time.

Robert Gillelan is a former long-term cancer caregiver who supported his wife through a decade-long battle with breast cancer and pancreatic cancer while raising a family. Drawing on this experience, Robert supports men as caregivers by framing caregiving as leadership. Today, he coaches men navigating caregiving—helping them manage burnout, navigate medical systems, support their families, and stay grounded.

Marnie Reed, BCPA, is a Board Certified Patient Advocate whose personal journey as a caregiver for her father, son, and husband through complex diagnoses—including pancreatic cancer—defines her life's work. Armed with deep firsthand experience navigating intricate medical systems, tracking treatments, and relentlessly pursuing groundbreaking options like expanded access therapies, Marnie ensures no patient or family has to walk the healthcare path alone. Through her advocacy work, she empowers families with organization, answers, and strong support, helping them navigate difficult diagnoses with clarity.

Panel will be facilitated by Ingrid Wirsig, Manager, Programs & Support at Pancreatic Cancer North America.