Our Mission
Pancreatic cancer is the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States. Sky Foundation awards seed-money grants to scientists and clinicians from coast to coast who are pursuing research of great promise in the areas of early detection, prevention or treatment.
This start-up funding helps researchers get to the point in their work where they can successfully attract financial support from the National Institutes of Health and other national funding sources.
Sky Foundation hosts several events throughout the year to raise public awareness and to be a listening ear to those recently diagnosed. The gatherings, which are both educational and entertaining, are designed to get participants thinking about their pancreas, an organ seldom talked about or understood. Genetic counseling also is introduced as a proactive measure for those with the disease in their family. The events also bring participants in contact with medical researchers who share their latest findings and insights.
Executive Director
Annie Dalton Flores serves as Executive Director of Sky Foundation, bringing over eight years of passionate leadership to the fight against pancreatic cancer. Having grown within the organization from assistant to director, Annie is deeply committed to expanding awareness, advancing research, and addressing health disparities in early detection. Her vision is bold: to make Sky Foundation Michigan’s leading force in pancreatic cancer advocacy and impact.
Click here to read the press release from DBusiness on her leadership announcement.
Business Manager
Jamie Guyor serves as Business Manager of Sky Foundation, bringing more than 13 years of philanthropic experience and a strong background in project management. Fueled by a passion for purpose-driven work, Jamie plays a key role in keeping Sky’s programs running efficiently, supporting the team and board while building operational strength needed to further Sky’s mission. Jamie is committed to helping Sky Foundation grow its reach and deepen its impact in the fight against pancreatic cancer.
About Our Founder
Sky Foundation was established by Sheila Sky Kasselman in 2008 while she was recovering from surgery for cancer of the pancreas. One of her doctors suggested she create a foundation dedicated to raising awareness and funding medical research for the early detection and treatment of the disease.
“Our goal is to find an early detection method to increase survival rates and save lives.”
Sheila was diagnosed with the most common form of pancreatic cancer in the fall of 2007. She completed chemotherapy, radiation and had “Whipple” surgery to remove her tumor.
She used her energy and positive attitude to provide hope and knowledge when people face the challenges of a disease that they never anticipated. “When I was diagnosed, I didn’t know one person who had the disease,” she said. “Throughout the whole ordeal of treatment, I thought, ‘I wish I had someone to talk to other than my doctors.’ But there was no one for me to reach out to.”
“I decided, when I founded Sky, that I needed to become the person who people could reach out to – and that is who I have become. I want to give those diagnosed with the disease and those who have lost loved ones great hope. Through awareness and research we are helping to save lives.”
“Our attendees and financial contributors represent an ever-growing community of people who have lost a loved one to the disease,” Sheila adds. “Like me, they believe they are funding hope through research.”
Sheila was diagnosed with a recurrence of pancreatic cancer in her lung in May 2020. After almost 3 years of battling this second diagnosis, Sheila passed away peacefully from complications of pancreatic cancer on Saturday, February 25, 2023. Sky Foundation will continue its very important mission of raising awareness and funding pancreatic cancer research for years to come, as her legacy.
Governance
The foundation is led by a Governing Board and a Scientific Advisory Committee.
The Governing Board is an all-volunteer board and has fiduciary responsibility for the philanthropic entity. Board members assist with fundraising and also with events to raise awareness.
Sky’s President
Shannon Crone
As President of the Sky Foundation Board, Shannon Crone brings both leadership and heart to our mission of advancing pancreatic cancer awareness and research. A long-time advocate for early detection, Shannon has been instrumental in guiding Sky Foundation’s strategic growth, expanding partnerships, and strengthening our community impact.
Her passion for helping others stems from personal connections to the cause and a deep commitment to supporting patients and families affected by pancreatic cancer. Under Shannon’s leadership, Sky continues to shine brighter—building hope, funding research, and empowering change across Michigan and beyond.
The Scientific Advisory Committee reviews grant applications and makes recommendations on funding to Sky’s Governing Board. All Scientific Advisory Committee members are researchers or doctors best in their field.
MEET THE SCIENTIFIC ADVISORY COMMITTEE
Financials
The Sky Foundation is a 501(c)3 organization located in Bloomfield Hills, Mich. Its 990 tax returns are available through GuideStar, the nonprofit entity that collects, organizes and presents tax and other information for all IRS-registered nonprofit organizations.
Download our 2023 Financial Statements > >
Download our 2022 Financial Statements > >