Conversations with Cody Ayers

Today we’d like to introduce you to Cody Ayers.

Hi Cody, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
In late 2009 and early 2010, my stepfather, Chris Parker, age 34, was diagnosed with Stage 4 Pancreatic Cancer. At his diagnosis, the five-year survival rate was below 4%. It was hard for my family and me to understand this diagnosis. My family spent many hours in and out of the local hospital, speaking to hospice care and traveling to Rochester, Minnesota, every few weeks to visit the Mayo Clinic.

On April 1st, my mother rushed my stepfather to the hospital because something was wrong. Late that evening, my mother came to the house and asked my siblings and me if we wanted to go to the hospital with her. I agreed, and my sisters went to stay with my aunt that evening. Early Friday Morning, April 2nd, my mother came to the waiting room with the Chaplin on duty and woke me up. At that moment, I knew my stepfather had passed away after roughly eight months of battle after the loss of my stepfather. It did not take long for my small community to hear about the passing of my stepfather. Our community, roughly over 5,000 people, supports one another no matter what they are going through. After the passing of my stepfather, Chris, I committed to myself and him that I would continue to fight his battle, advocate for others who are going through the same hardships and demand an increase in funding for Pancreatic Cancer Research. Still, in the back of my mind, I always thought I could “do more.” I began getting involved with local organizations to raise funds and awareness for cancer research, contacting government officials.

In 2021, amid Covid-19, I began dwelling on the idea of starting my own non-profit to support families impacted by this disease, advocate for more federal funding, and increase awareness about it. In late 2021, I began filling out documentation, talking to professionals within the non-profit sector, and developing a plan to get everything off the ground. In Early May 2022, I established, “Parker Foundation for Pancreatic Cancer Research.” I wanted to establish an organization that supports families impacted by pancreatic cancer who may need additional resources and support to attend doctor appointments. My family was fortunate to have the resources to travel to the Mayo Clinic for various treatments with some of the most intelligent and skilled medical professionals. However, we felt the financial hardships of traveling 10 and a half hours away (one way) brought. The cost of lodging, meals, and expensive healthcare continued to pile up. Our family felt as if we were drowning in debt.

Nashville is blessed to have Vanderbilt University Medical Center here. However, the need for support for Tennesseans across the state to travel and obtain appropriate healthcare is vital. Today, we are working on finalizing our establishment in Tennessee and becoming more involved within the community to increase awareness. This past November, we had the privilege to reach out to various organizations across Tennessee to join the fight against pancreatic cancer on World Pancreatic Cancer Day, held on November 17th. Governor Bill Lee and Nashville Mayor John Cooper signed a proclamation declaring November 17th “World Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Day.” We are blessed to have received their support this year.

We look forward to growing in Tennessee, funding individuals impacted by Pancreatic Cancer, and, most importantly, supporting medical professionals focused on advancing research around this disease.

2023, we have many exciting opportunities to raise awareness and funds to support families impacted by pancreatic cancer.

You wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle-free, but so far would you say the journey has been smooth?
Establishing a non-profit has some challenges. Some of those challenges can be, “Where am I going to get the funding to start up?” Like starting any organization or business, funding can always be a challenge. However, connecting with friends and family who support your mission can make it much easier to complete the appropriate documentation. There are a lot of resources out there that can guide you on how to start a non-profit. Fearlessly taking a leap of faith, asking questions, and looking into everything will help establish a non-profit.

Thanks – so, what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
As I mentioned before, we are focused on supporting families impacted by pancreatic cancer that need financial support through medical bills, travel, lodging, meals, etc. We understand that there is a need for support for families going through treatment and having access to additional resources when a loved one is diagnosed with this disease.

In addition, we are working on partnering with various other organizations to provide medical professional grants/sponsorships further to advance pancreatic cancer research, especially those within Tennessee.

I would say what sets us apart is that this disease has impacted me. This disease is brutal, and many ultimately pass, but that does not deter us from focusing on the importance of supporting individuals and their families. Hence, I understand the importance of funding, having resources available to individuals, and the compassion provided to families.

Parker Foundation for Pancreatic Cancer Research’s proudest moment thus far has been the fact that we have been working with numerous businesses in Middle Tennessee to join forces to fight this disease. Whether that has allowed us to share our story, they contribute to supporting researchers, hosting fundraising events, or asking for more information on how they can become further involved.

The work we are doing and the support we want to provide to families are unlike any other. Advocating for those who have gone before us and keeping their legacy alive is extremely important. Our society has lost so many from pancreatic cancer already. It will continue to have a low survival rate until research has advanced enough, which starts with an increase in funding.

Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
Over the last 12 years after losing my stepfather, Chris, I have met many others impacted by the loss of their loved ones due to this disease. Many have gone through the same struggles my family faced after diagnosis. We want to be a source of relief and support.

Families should be able to focus on spending time with their loved ones, especially when diagnosed with pancreatic cancer due to a low survival rate. We want to do our part in helping researchers have funding available to carry out projects and increase the survival rate. As we look forward to 2023, we aim to continue, “Make Progress Today for those Diagnosed Tomorrow!” We currently have two events scheduled, and as for your support.

On February 4th, beginning at 11:00 am at Invigorate Health – Franklin, TN, we will host a “Botox for Charity” Event with food, beverages, and giveaways. Invigorate Health has agreed to contribute 10% of all services provided to help fund pancreatic cancer research. Tickets for this event are currently available and include food, beverages, and one ticket for any giveaway prize—more information at: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/471525855527.

In addition, we will be hosting our Inaugural Purple Tie Gala on November 17th (the day after World Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Day) at 6:30 pm, located at the Hermitage Golf Course. Tickets begin at $75 each. More information can be found at: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/449850283307.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://parkerfoundation-pancanresearch.org/?fbclid=IwAR1sZ7gvC1W7bD1EQDkznJ6kepgY3alGJXH3QCKmfXHBFFHgUkjvN9rYFE4
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Parker-Foundation-for-Pancreatic-Cancer-Research/100083338238902/