Sheila Sky Kasselman was diagnosed with the most common form of pancreatic cancer in the fall of 2007. She completed chemotherapy and radiation and had Whipple surgery to remove her tumour. While recovering, a doctor suggested she start a foundation. In 2008 — still in recovery — she did.
"When I was diagnosed, I didn't know one person who had the disease. 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."
Sheila was diagnosed with a recurrence in her lung in May 2020, and after nearly three years passed away peacefully on 25 February 2023. Sky continues the mission as her legacy.
Raising awareness and funding innovative research for the early detection and treatment of pancreatic cancer.
A future where pancreatic cancer is detected earlier, treated more effectively, and families facing a diagnosis feel informed, supported, and connected.
The people behind the mission
How Sky is governed
The foundation is led by two bodies: one accountable for the funding, one accountable for the science.
An all-volunteer board with fiduciary responsibility for the philanthropic entity. Members also assist with fundraising and with the events that raise awareness.
Meet the board →Reviews grant applications and recommends funding to the Governing Board. Every member is a researcher or doctor at the top of their field.
Meet the committee →
Annie brings over eight years of passionate leadership to the fight against pancreatic cancer, having grown within the organization from assistant to director. She 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.
Read the DBusiness leadership announcement →
Jamie brings more than 13 years of philanthropic experience and a strong background in project management. Fuelled by a passion for purpose-driven work, she keeps Sky’s programs running efficiently — supporting the team and board while building the operational strength needed to further the mission.
Sky Foundation’s Fundraising Committee plays a key role in planning our signature events and developing creative fundraising initiatives that maximize their impact. Beyond our events, the committee works to expand fundraising opportunities, strengthen donor and community partnerships, and generate lasting support for pancreatic cancer research, awareness, and patient programs.
Sky Foundation’s Presidential Committee provides strategic guidance and leadership to support the organization’s long-term vision and growth. Working closely with the Board President and Vice President, the committee helps shape organizational priorities, strengthen leadership, and ensure Sky remains focused on advancing its mission and making a lasting impact in the fight against pancreatic cancer.
The Financials
Sky Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization in Birmingham, Michigan. Our 990s are available here, and through GuideStar, which collects and presents filings for every IRS-registered nonprofit.
View our GuideStar profile →Sheila Sky Kasselman was diagnosed with the most common form of pancreatic cancer in the fall of 2007. She completed chemotherapy and radiation and had Whipple surgery to remove her tumour. While recovering, a doctor suggested she start a foundation. In 2008 — still in recovery — she did.
"When I was diagnosed, I didn't know one person who had the disease. 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."
Sheila was diagnosed with a recurrence in her lung in May 2020, and after nearly three years passed away peacefully on 25 February 2023. Sky continues the mission as her legacy.
Raising awareness and funding innovative research for the early detection and treatment of pancreatic cancer.
A future where pancreatic cancer is detected earlier, treated more effectively, and families facing a diagnosis feel informed, supported, and connected.
The people behind the mission
How Sky is governed
The foundation is led by two bodies: one accountable for the funding, one accountable for the science.
An all-volunteer board with fiduciary responsibility for the philanthropic entity. Members also assist with fundraising and with the events that raise awareness.
Meet the board →Reviews grant applications and recommends funding to the Governing Board. Every member is a researcher or doctor at the top of their field.
Meet the committee →Annie brings over eight years of passionate leadership to the fight against pancreatic cancer, having grown within the organization from assistant to director. She 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.
Read the DBusiness leadership announcement →Jamie brings more than 13 years of philanthropic experience and a strong background in project management. Fuelled by a passion for purpose-driven work, she keeps Sky’s programs running efficiently — supporting the team and board while building the operational strength needed to further the mission.
Sky Foundation’s Fundraising Committee plays a key role in planning our signature events and developing creative fundraising initiatives that maximize their impact. Beyond our events, the committee works to expand fundraising opportunities, strengthen donor and community partnerships, and generate lasting support for pancreatic cancer research, awareness, and patient programs.
Sky Foundation’s Presidential Committee provides strategic guidance and leadership to support the organization’s long-term vision and growth. Working closely with the Board President and Vice President, the committee helps shape organizational priorities, strengthen leadership, and ensure Sky remains focused on advancing its mission and making a lasting impact in the fight against pancreatic cancer.
Financials, in the open
A 501(c)(3) in Birmingham, Michigan. Our 990 tax returns are public — here, and through GuideStar.
View our GuideStar profile →