We often get asked how we choose our VB Gives Back partners. As with most things VB, the inspiration starts with the Veronicas. Each nonprofit is handpicked by them and represents a cause that's deeply personal.

This quarter, they selected Let’s Win Pancreatic Cancer because of their dear friend Staci Grodin, whose husband Rich is a survivor of stage IV pancreatic cancer. “You can survive—there’s hope," say the Veronicas. "We witnessed firsthand the incredible work of Let’s Win when Rich got diagnosed and are so proud to partner with this inspiring organization.”

Here, the Grodins share their story.

Tell us about your diagnosis...

Rich Grodin: I was diagnosed in 2018, when I was 48 years old. I had been an athlete my entire life; I even played professional basketball abroad after college. I was always active, so when I started noticing back pain and some stomach sensitivities over a few months, I decided to see a doctor. A sonogram revealed lesions on my liver, and a subsequent MRI confirmed that I had advanced-stage pancreatic cancer. The diagnosis was a shock.

And, Staci, what was it like from your perspective as a caregiver?

Staci Grodin: Rich’s initial diagnosis was devastating. At the time, I had three young children, and receiving this unimaginable news was heartbreaking, yet with strong support from family and friends, I sprang into action. I reached out to every researcher, doctor, and patient I could find. Building partnerships in nutrition, yoga, acupuncture, and other integrative therapies was essential in helping us manage the intense effects of chemotherapy.

What has been the most challenging—and how did you overcome it?

RG: The uncertainty—the unknown path the illness might take—and maintaining a strong mindset throughout treatment, which I worked hard on every day. I surrounded myself with friends and family who believed in me, filling my mind with encouragement and positivity about my prognosis.

SG: As a caregiver, I faced the unique challenge of balancing the details of Rich’s care and treatments while trying to maintain a sense of normalcy at home for our kids and ourselves.

Words of wisdom for others going through this?

RG: Educate yourself. Each person’s story is unique, and their journey is personal. Do your research, and find a doctor who believes in you and will guide you through this journey with humanity and care. There are so many clinical trials and new treatments emerging, so learning as much as possible is essential.

SG: Embrace your support network; facing an illness of this magnitude takes a village. And it’s important to remember that medical advancements are more promising now than ever before. Lean into these advancements. The Let’s Win Pancreatic Cancer Foundation was a remarkable resource from the beginning, and it continues to provide us—and countless others—with hope, cutting-edge research, and valuable patient information.

What's one positive takeaway from this not-so-positive experience?

RG: Through this experience, I’ve met so many remarkable and inspirational people. Dr. Ocean is certainly one of them—she works tirelessly for each of her patients and truly cares. I am incredibly grateful for the friendships and support I’ve found during this dark time. I appreciate each day and don’t take anything—or anyone—for granted.

SG: Rich’s journey and recovery has made both of us deeply grateful for the incredible people around us and has taught us to live each day to its fullest. Seeing the extraordinary kindness and dedication of those in our lives and people we have met in the pancreatic cancer community has helped us get through all of the challenges.

From now to the end of December, we will donate a portion of proceeds from every single veronicabeard.com order to Let’s Win Pancreatic Cancer, a pancreatic cancer community changing the way patients and caregivers navigate this disease. Learn more here.