When you or a loved one is diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, one of the most important decisions you’ll make is where to receive care.
Because pancreatic cancer is complex and often aggressive, treatment outcomes improve significantly at high-volume cancer centers — hospitals that see a large number of pancreatic cancer cases each year and have teams dedicated to this specific disease.
At Sky Foundation, Inc., we believe every patient deserves access to experienced specialists, advanced technology, and compassionate, coordinated care. That’s why we encourage patients to seek treatment at centers that specialize in pancreatic cancer and can provide the highest level of expertise.
Why Experience Matters
Research shows that patients treated at high-volume pancreatic cancer centers have:
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Higher survival rates after surgery
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Fewer complications and readmissions
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Shorter hospital stays
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Better access to clinical trials and new therapies
The Whipple procedure (pancreaticoduodenectomy) — one of the most complex abdominal surgeries — should only be performed by a surgeon who has done hundreds, ideally thousands, of successful procedures.
Experience truly saves lives.
Michigan’s Leading Pancreatic Cancer Centers
Sky Foundation is proud to maintain strong relationships with Michigan’s top cancer institutions. Each offers nationally recognized expertise, world-class technology, and a shared commitment to improving outcomes for pancreatic cancer patients.
Henry Ford Health
Location: Detroit, Michigan
Henry Ford Health is recognized as one of Michigan’s leading centers for pancreatic cancer care, offering a fully integrated, multidisciplinary program dedicated to treating complex gastrointestinal cancers. Their coordinated team of surgeons, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, radiologists, pathologists, genetic counselors, and supportive care specialists works together to create comprehensive, individualized treatment plans for every patient.
A key strength of Henry Ford’s program is its GI Multidisciplinary Tumor Board, where experts collaboratively review each case to ensure patients receive the most advanced therapies and evidence-based care.
Henry Ford is also home to Dr. David Kwon, one of the nation’s most experienced pancreatic surgeons. Dr. Kwon has performed thousands of Whipple procedures, offering patients exceptional surgical expertise for one of the most complex cancer operations.
Patients additionally benefit from the care of Dr. Philip, a respected medical oncologist who specializes in pancreatic cancer. He is known for his deep clinical expertise, patient-centered approach, and commitment to providing thoughtful and effective treatment strategies.
With cutting-edge technology, access to clinical trials, and a highly coordinated team, Henry Ford Health delivers world-class pancreatic cancer care grounded in experience, innovation, and compassion. Sky Foundation is proud to direct patients to this exceptional institution for trusted, high-quality treatment.
Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute
Location: Detroit, Michigan
Karmanos Cancer Institute (KCI) is a National Cancer Institute (NCI)-Designated Comprehensive Cancer Center, a distinction it has held since 1978. It is one of only 57 such centers in the United States and is the only dedicated cancer hospital in Michigan. This designation reflects KCI’s demonstrated excellence in scientific discovery and its expertise across clinical, laboratory, behavioral, and population-based research.
KCI provides patients with access to cancer treatments and clinical trials not available at many other hospitals, and welcomes individuals seeking consultations or second opinions.
Physicians and researchers at Karmanos are deeply engaged in advancing cancer science and translating new discoveries into patient care. The institute is recognized for offering treatments that set new standards of care, supported by research programs unique to KCI that move innovative therapies from the laboratory into clinical practice.
From cutting-edge research to individualized treatment plans and the most advanced therapies, Karmanos continues to lead the fight against cancer and remains committed to providing tomorrow’s standard of care today.
If you would like to be connected to Sky Foundation’s direct contact at Karmanos for personalized guidance or care coordination, please let us know.
👉 Visit Karmanos Cancer Institute
👉 Visit the clinical trials Karmanos offers
University of Michigan Rogel Cancer Center
Location: Ann Arbor, Michigan
The U-M Rogel Cancer Center is consistently ranked among the nation’s top cancer programs by U.S. News & World Report.
Their Pancreatic Cancer Program brings together surgeons, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, genetic counselors, and nutrition experts to create personalized treatment plans for every patient.
The center is also a leader in pancreatic cancer genetics and early detection research, offering access to cutting-edge clinical trials and advanced imaging technologies.
👉 Visit University of Michigan Rogel Cancer Center
How Sky Foundation Can Help
Sky Foundation works closely with each of these leading institutions to:
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Connect patients to expert providers
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Share information about clinical trial opportunities
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Support collaborative research through seed grant funding
If you’ve recently been diagnosed and aren’t sure where to start, we can help guide you toward trusted specialists and resources.
Contact Sky Foundation’s Executive Director, Annie Dalton Flores Annie@SkyFoundationInc.org | ☎ 248-385-5143