Research Means Hope 2010 – Jim Fagin

In recognition of UNMC’s support for the Research Means Hope campaign, UNMC Today posed the following question to several people — “How does research mean hope to you?”

Jim Fagin

Today, we spotlight Jim Fagin, an aide for U.S. Sen. Ben Nelson who was stricken with pancreatic cancer — one of the most lethal forms of cancer.

Fagin’s life was saved earlier this year when UNMC surgeon Jean Botha, M.D., performed a cutting edge “Whipple Procedure” to remove the cancer. Fagin — who calls himself a “walking miracle” — is back at work and fully engaged in his active lifestyle.

Below he answers our question.

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About the campaign To support the Research Means Hope campaign, sign the online petition. You will receive a confirmation e-mail after you sign but no spam. Donations are not required.

As a journalist and vocal supporter of research, I have witnessed changes in medicine that have saved countless lives. Most recently my support of medical research grew even stronger when it became personal.

After falling ill in the summer of 2009, I was in and out of hospitals for three months with no diagnosis. Finally, I went to UNMC where, in three weeks, they found what was wrong with me. I had pancreatic cancer; a frightening illness very few survive because it is usually discovered too late for treatment. In my case, they caught it in time and today, more than a year after becoming ill, I am cancer-free.

I owe my life to the dedication and expertise of medical professionals and their research but more needs to be done in order to save the lives of many more people. A routine test must be developed to spot pancreatic cancer in its early stages so it can be treated and defeated.