Meet Cody (filbert) Ayers of Nashville

Today we’d like to introduce you to Cody (filbert) Ayers

Hi Cody, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
From Loss to Legacy: A Journey of Advocacy and Hope

The summer of 2009 was when my world changed forever. My sisters and I sat in our living room with our mother and stepfather, awaiting the beginning of what was called a “family meeting.” At the time, we had no idea that the news we were about to hear would alter the course of our lives and test our resilience in ways we couldn’t imagine.

My mother and stepfather, Chris, began to share why they had been attending so many hospital visits. They told us that Chris had been diagnosed with Stage 3 pancreatic cancer. As a sixth-grader, I didn’t understand much about the disease. All I knew was the word “cancer” and the fear that accompanied it. Pancreatic cancer was especially cruel, with a five-year survival rate below 4% at the time. Despite the grim statistics, I clung to hope and was determined that Chris would beat the odds.

The months that followed were filled with challenges. Hospital visits and treatments took priority, and family life changed drastically. My mom missed school events, bills piled up, and Chris’s physical and emotional health declined. Watching someone I admired so much—my role model, father figure, and biggest supporter—struggle was heart-wrenching.

On the night of April 1, 2010, as a thunderstorm rolled through Manhattan, Kansas, my mother rushed Chris to the ER. A few hours later, she returned home to give us a choice: either go with her back to the hospital or stay home and wait for our grandmother to pick us up. I chose to go with her, and it was a decision I’ll never regret.

At the hospital, I had one final opportunity to see Chris, hug him, and share a brief conversation. Even though he was in pain, he still showed the strength and love I had always known from him. Shortly after, I was ushered to the waiting room, where I eventually fell asleep.

Around 2:00 a.m. on Good Friday, April 2, 2010, I was awakened by the hospital chaplain and my mother. It was then that I learned Chris had passed away after an eight-month battle with pancreatic cancer. Time felt both fleeting and infinite in that moment. Eight months seemed so short, but every second during his fight was precious.

Fifteen years later, April 2 still marks a turning point in my life. It’s not just the anniversary of Chris’s passing but also a reminder of why I do what I do. I turned my grief into action, becoming an advocate for patients and their families while working to raise critical funds for pancreatic cancer research.

In 2019, after moving to Nashville, Tennessee, I joined the Tennessee Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCAN) as a volunteer. My passion and commitment to the cause led to an opportunity to serve as the Community Engagement Coordinator. Over the last two and a half years, I’ve built authentic relationships with individuals across the country who share the same mission: to improve outcomes for pancreatic cancer patients and support their families.

Every conversation, every event, and every dollar raised is a tribute to Chris and the countless others who have faced this devastating disease. Time is valuable, and I’ve learned to use it wisely—to honor those we’ve lost, to support those still fighting, and to work toward a future where pancreatic cancer is no longer a death sentence.

Through advocacy, education, and community engagement, I’ve found a way to carry Chris’s legacy forward. His strength and determination continue to inspire me, reminding me that even in the face of loss, hope and purpose can prevail.

If you’ve been touched by pancreatic cancer, I encourage you to join the fight. Together, we can make a difference—for Chris, for our loved ones, and for all those impacted by this disease.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Overcoming Hardship: Finding Strength in Grief

Life can change in an instant, often leaving us to face challenges we never imagined. My family experienced this firsthand with the passing of my stepfather, a loss that marked a turning point in all our lives. The journey since then has been one of learning, adjusting, and growing stronger together.

Before and after his passing, hardships seemed relentless. Financial strain became a daily battle. My mother began working longer hours, taking on extra responsibilities to ensure we could stay afloat. My sisters and I had to step up, helping with household tasks and sacrificing much of our own childhood to maintain stability. It was a new normal we had no choice but to embrace.

In the years following, we found ourselves learning how to cope with grief—a deeply personal and complex process. Each of us found our own ways to navigate the pain. For me, it was about growing into independence, learning skills I hadn’t needed before, and giving up parts of my youth to ensure that, as a family, we would be “okay.”

Fifteen years later, the grief remains, though its intensity comes and goes. Anniversaries, birthdays, holidays—they all bring the memories rushing back, along with a wave of emotions. Yet, over time, I’ve learned to channel that grief into something meaningful. It’s a reminder of how far we’ve come as a family and how much strength we carry within us.

Today, I fight to ensure that other families facing similar challenges can hold onto hope. I share my story to inspire others to see that, even in the darkest times, it’s possible to endure and find light again. Grief is not something that vanishes—it’s something we learn to live with, allowing it to shape us into more compassionate and resilient versions of ourselves.

To anyone walking a similar path: know that it’s okay to grieve, to feel pain, and to remember. But it’s also okay to fight for joy, to find moments of peace, and to build a future filled with hope. You’re not alone, and you’re stronger than you think.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
At the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCAN), I am proud to serve as the Regional Coordinator, collaborating closely with Community Relationship Managers across the country to foster connections with constituents and volunteers. Together, we work to raise awareness, advocate for patients and families, and secure critical funding to fight pancreatic cancer—widely recognized as one of the toughest cancers. PanCAN stands as the only organization with a nationwide grassroots network solely dedicated to combating this disease. Since its founding 25 years ago by Pamela Marquardt, PanCAN has invested over $208 million in research, taking bold steps to improve the five-year survival rate and ensure that every patient has the opportunity to thrive.

One of PanCAN’s most impactful services is “PanCAN Patient Services,” a free resource available to anyone nationwide. This program helps families locate clinical trials, connect with specialized healthcare providers, and access a range of other vital resources. Reflecting on my own family’s journey, I deeply wish we had known about and utilized these services—it could have eased so much of the uncertainty and anxiety we faced.

What sets me apart in this fight is my personal commitment, born from loss and determination. After losing my stepfather to pancreatic cancer at just 33 years old, I vowed to honor his memory by ensuring other families wouldn’t have to endure what mine did. Over the years, I have raised nearly $200,000 for organizations like the American Cancer Society and PanCAN. Even as a teenager, I dedicated myself to this cause, organizing fundraisers and building awareness when my peers were focused on school and social activities.

Joining PanCAN’s Tennessee Affiliate in 2019 was a pivotal moment for me, offering a space to connect with others who shared my experience, strengthen my leadership skills, and make a meaningful impact in my community. Through this work, I honor my stepfather’s legacy, remain steadfast in the fight against pancreatic cancer, and strive to create a future where no family faces this disease alone.

I encourage others to take action where they see fits, whether that is through advocacy, fundraising, attending community events like PanCAN PurpleStride (www.purplestride.org), etc.

What does success mean to you?
Success, to me, goes beyond the total dollars raised—it’s about the genuine relationships I’ve built over time. Through my work with PanCAN, I take immense pride in the connections I’ve fostered with individuals, companies, and organizations. For me, the most rewarding part of this journey is knowing that each relationship represents a bridge to critical resources for someone who may face a pancreatic cancer diagnosis in the future. Whether it’s helping a constituent feel supported or equipping a company to advocate for this cause, these relationships are the true measure of impact. While non-profits can define success in many ways, for me, it’s about the depth and authenticity of the connections I’ve created. Each one is a step toward a stronger, more informed, and compassionate community.

For example, some of the relationships that I’ve been able to establish over the last few years include, Tennessee Titans, 3 Major Universities in Middle Tennessee, 3 of 4 Minor League Baseball Teams in the state, and numerous of other organizations/businesses.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.pancan.org
• Other: https://www.purplestride.org/tennessee