Adrianne Wallace-Povirk, PhD

Surgery- Pancreatic Cancer Center

Henry Ford Health

Dr. Wallace-Povirk studies how some pancreatic cancers grow and change inside the body. She looks at tiny details inside cancer cells to figure out why some tumors act more “normal” and others act more “aggressive.” By understanding these differences, she hopes to help doctors find better treatments that work for different kinds of pancreatic cancer. Because of her work — supported by our donors — future patients could have new medicine and hope instead of old, limited options.

Learn more about Dr. Wallace-Povirk here

Harrison L Hiraki, PhD

Department of Surgery

Rogel and Blondy Cancer Center

University of Michigan Health

Dr. Hiraki builds tiny, lab-based “mini-organs” that act like the real pancreas — and blood vessels — to see how cancer cells and blood vessels talk to each other. With those mini-organs, he tries to find what makes cancer spread, and also discover new ways to stop it. Because of his research, we could potentially move drugs to the clinic faster — giving people with pancreatic cancer a better chance.

Learn more about Dr. Hiraki here

Mariana T. Ruckert, PhD

Molecular & Integrative Physiology

Rogel and Blondy Cancer Center

University of Michigan Health

Dr. Ruckert studies how pancreatic cancer begins so doctors can find it earlier and help more people survive. She looks closely at special pancreas cells that can change when they are stressed — sometimes becoming the very first step toward cancer. By testing medicines she strives to learn how to stop these cell changes before cancer starts. Her research could help create new ways to detect pancreatic cancer sooner and new treatments that prevent it from growing — giving patients more hope for the future.

Learn more about Dr. Ruckert here

We are proud to announce our 2023 Sky Grant recipients. The process to achieve these awards is rigorous. The applications submitted for this cycle nearly doubled. Our esteemed Sky Scientific Advisory Committee  makes the final recommendations to the Sky Governing Board for approval.

The following are three $50,000 grant recipients for 2023 

POSTDOCTORAL/NON-TENURE TRACK CATEGORY:

Despoina Kalfakakou, PhD | New York University Langone Health

Research Title: Therapeutic impact of clonal heterogeneity of human pancreatic adenocarcinoma

Lisa Miller-Phillips, MD | University of California San Francisco

Research Title: Histological and transcriptional characterization of organotropism in Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma (PDAC) with focus on the “Lung Only” metastatic variant

PRE-TENURED CATEGORY:

Nina Steele, PhD | Henry Ford Health

Research Title: Immune suppression and racial disparities in pancreatic cancer progression

SKY’S MISSION

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 of pancreatic cancer. 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, and ultimately, be able to make a positive impact on the outcomes for pancreatic cancer patients.

Since its inception, Sky Foundation has funded over one million dollars in seed fund grants. Every year our researchers update us on the progress and their hope for the future.

SKY’S IMPACT FIGHTING PANCREATIC CANCER

“We are all so indebted for the work done by SKY Foundation in the last decade. I have been a beneficiary of SKY Foundation seed funds. I was supported by Sheila during the time when I was establishing my laboratory. I owe a lot of my success to Sheila and SKY Foundation. These seed funds allowed the generation of critical preliminary data and helped my research team secure more than $2.4 million in federal grants. The help from SKY foundation is integral to the success of the research.” – Asfar Sohail Azmi, PhD

“The support of the Sky Foundation has been fundamental because it provided the financial resources to carry out our studies. Most importantly, our focus and efforts were inspired by the unwavering dedication and commitment of Sheila Kasselman, who we truly admired for her relentless fight against pancreatic cancer. Sheila was the driving force behind our science and our mission to make a difference as she did, and for this she will live forever in our hearts.” –  Rafael Fridman, PhD

“My team and I are extremely grateful for Sky Foundation to fund this promising study, which allowed us to use state-of-the-art technologies to discover these novel findings, the fundamentals for making substantial progress in pancreatic cancer research.” – Simone Benitz, PhD

“We are extremely grateful for the support of Sky Foundation. Sky Foundation’s support of a postdoctoral fellow allowed us to do these studies, which will inform future pre-clinical studies and clinical trials. We look forward to continued partnership with the foundation to advance discoveries in the laboratory to help patients.” – Ben Z. Stanger, MD, PhD

The future to eradicate pancreatic cancer is promising and hopeful. These experts are conducting innovative research to increase the survival rate of pancreatic cancer from 12% to, one day, 100%. We are making a difference because of your generous donations. Thank you for your support. Let’s continue to invest in the future.

A Runner Turned Triathlete & Cancer Awareness Advocate

Shannon Crone has been competing in marathons since 2004 and IRONMAN events since 2014. Mike, her husband, was her greatest cheerleader, supporting her at every step leading up to, and on race day. In the summer of 2019, in a matter of 3 weeks, she lost Mike to pancreatic cancer.

Our dedicated Sky Foundation President trained tirelessly for the World Championship IRONMAN in October 2023. She journaled her progress, and raised funds for Sky Foundation in Mike’s memory. We support her strength and efforts in this mentally and physically challenging, yet rewarding, venture.

We encourage you to read about Sky’s inspiring President and her amazing ride, raising over $20K for pancreatic cancer research and awareness!  Click here to follow her blog and donate to her efforts.

Genetic testing is essential for assessing inherited risks of diseases like Pancreatic Cancer. It is important to understand one’s ancestry to make informed medical decisions. It identifies potential health issues and enables you to proactively take measures or early intervention and allows for a more targeted healthcare approach.

Watch ouur recent webinar that highlights the importance of genetic counseling and the information surrounding the subject.

Michigan Genetic Testing Sites

Ann Arbor

U of M Cancer Genetics Clinic 

University of Michigan Cancer Center
Cancer and Geriatrics Center
1500 E. Medical Center Dr.
Ann Arbor, MI 48109-0638
734.763.2532

Elena Stoffel, MD, MPH

Cancer Genetics Program Cancer Center

Trinity Health (Previously known as Saint Joseph Mercy Hospital)
5303 Elliott Dr.

Ypsilanti, MI 48197

734.712.1541

Sommer Hayden, MS, CGC

Linsey Blakely, MS, CGC

Kelsie McVeety, MS, CGC

Dearborn

Genetic Risk Assessment For Cancer

Corewell Health East (formerly Beaumont Hospital Dearborn)

18181 Oakwood Blvd, Suite 102G
Dearborn, MI 48124
313.593.8483

Julie Zenger-Hain, PhD, FACMG
Lauren Jackson, MS, CGC
Katelyn Roberts, MS, CGC-PHP

Nicholas Serocki, MS, CGC

Angelina Sdao, MS, CGC

Detroit

Cancer Genetic Counseling Service

Karmanos Cancer Institute
4100 John R, Suite 312, Mailcode: HPO3GC
Detroit, MI 48201
313.576.8748

Michael S. Simon, MD, MPH

Nancie Petrucelli, MS, CGC

Kristian Wilks, MS CGC

Courtney Kokanakes, MS, CGC

Ashley Cosenza, MS, CGC

Henry Ford Health System Cancer Genetics Program

Henry Ford Health System Medical Genetics Department
3031 West Grand Blvd., Suite 700
Detroit, MI 48202
313.916.3188

Jacquelyn Roberson, MD

Farmington Hills

Cancer Genetic Counseling Service

Karmanos Cancer Institute
31995 Northwestern Highway
Farmington Hills, MI 48334
313.576.8748

 Kristian Wilks, MS, CGC

Grosse Pointe Woods

Cancer Genetics Program – Van Elslander Cancer Center

Ascension St. John Health System

19229 Mack Ave, Suite 18
Grosse Pointe Woods, MI 48236
313.647.3153

Allison Jay, MD, FACMG

Livonia

Cancer Genetic Counseling

Trinity Health Livonia (formerly St. Mary Mercy Livonia Hospital)

36475 Five Mile Road
Livonia, MI 48154
(734) 655-1185

Helen Burns, ANP, MSN, AGN-BC

Pontiac

Cancer Genetic Counseling

St. Joseph Mercy Oakland Hospital, Alice Gustafson Center

44405 Woodward Avenue, Suite 202
Pontiac, MI 48341
(248) 858-2270

Suzanne Jermstad, NP

Tyler Prince, MS, GC

Royal Oak

Corewell Health – Cancer Genetics Program

(Formerly Beaumont Health – Cancer Genetics Program)

3577 W. 13 Mile Rd., Suite 140
Royal Oak, MI 48073
248.551.3388

Dana Zakalik, MD

Alexis Gallant, GC

Aidan Kennedy, GC

Jordan Johnson, GC

Tonya Bortz, GC

Southfield

Ascension Providence Cancer Institute

22301 Foster Winter Drive, Third Floor
Southfield, MI 48075
248.849.3281

Samira Ahsan, MD 

Troy

Corewell Health – Cancer Genetics Program

(Formerly Beaumont Health – Cancer Genetics Program)

44344 Dequindre Rd., Suite 350
Sterling Heights, MI 48314
248.551.3388

Dana Zakalik, MD
Richard Zekman, DO
Kristina Ivan, MS, CGC

West Bloomfield

Henry Ford Health System Cancer Genetics Program

Henry Ford West Bloomfield Hospital
6777 West Maple Rd.
West Bloomfield, MI 48322
313.916.3188

Jacquelyn Roberson, MD

Additional resources on the importance of genetic counseling, testing, support, and locations nationwide, please contact My Faulty Gene.

Submit A Matching Gift with Your company

Matching gifts are a type of corporate giving program that double an employee’s initial donation to an eligible nonprofit organization.

The Best Part?  You can make TWO donations for the price of ONE.

Make sure you write down the following since you will need it when submitting your donation to your employer:

1. Tax ID: 26-2720583
2. Sky Foundation’s Address: 33 Bloomfield Hills Parkway, Suite 275 | Bloomfield Hills, MI 48304

Matching Gift and Volunteer Grant information provided by

Contact Person for Matching Gifts at Sky Foundation:

Annie Dalton, ADalton@SkyFoundationInc.org, 248-385-5143

Visit this page for frequently asked questions.

AMAZON SMILE

The AmazonSmile Foundation will donate 0.5% of the purchase price from customers’ eligible AmazonSmile purchases to the charitable organizations they select.

Here’s to sign up for AmazonSmile:

1. Visit amazon.com
2. 2. Click on the “Get Started” button and sign in with your Amazon.com credentials
3. Search for “Sky Foundation Inc.”
4. Select “Sky Foundation Inc.”
5. Start shopping!
6. Every time you return to amazon, make sure to type in SMILE.AMAZON.COM in your browser and start your shopping at AmazonSmile.

Sky Foundation’s Scientific Advisory Committee has awarded three research projects in 2021 with a $50,000 seed grants to each.

Learn more abut our three new researchers by clicking on their information below:

Ben Stenger, MD, PhD (Professor of Medicine and Cell and Developmental Biology | University of Pennsylvania)

Christopher Halbrook, PhD (Assistant Professor | University of California Irvine)

Kathleen DelGiorno (Assistant Professor | Vanderbilt University)

Where to Begin

Receiving a diagnosis or learning about pancreatic cancer can feel overwhelming. Sky Foundation is here to help guide you toward reliable, trusted resources and local experts so you can take the next steps with confidence.

Start with Trusted Information

The National Cancer Institute (NCI) and American Cancer Society (ACS) offer accurate, research-based information about pancreatic cancer. Both are excellent places to begin learning about the disease, treatment options, and available resources.

Visit cancer.gov or cancer.org for detailed guidance on:

• Understanding pancreatic cancer and its types

• Available treatments, drugs, and clinical trials

• Causes, prevention, and screening options

• Coping resources for patients and families

There are two main types of pancreatic cancer:

• Adenocarcinoma – accounts for about 95% of cases

• Neuroendocrine tumors – make up roughly 5% of cases

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) also supports extensive research into the causes, diagnosis, and prevention of cancer through partnerships with leading public and private institutions around the world.

Learn About Symptoms and Risk Factors

Early detection saves lives. Educate yourself and your loved ones on the symptoms and risk factors associated with pancreatic cancer. Visit our Learn The Symptoms & Risk Factorspage for detailed information on what to look for and when to consult your physician.

Finding a Doctor

Because Sky Foundation is based in Southeast Michigan, we are proud to recommend three leading regional cancer centers that specialize in pancreatic cancer care:

• Henry Ford Health

• Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute

• University of Michigan Rogel Cancer Center

If you’re looking for providers outside our area, visit the American Society of Clinical Oncology’s website at cancer.net. This site helps patients:

• Find qualified oncologists and specialists near you

• Learn about treatment options and side effect management

• Access lists of questions to ask your doctor, including:

  • After receiving a diagnosis

  • When choosing treatment or surgery

  • During chemotherapy or radiation

  • When planning follow-up care

Identifying an Advocate

You don’t have to face this alone. We encourage every patient to choose a trusted advocate—a family member, friend, or caregiver—who can accompany you to appointments, take notes, ask questions, and help process information. Having another listener present ensures that important details aren’t missed during a stressful time.

How Sky Foundation Can Help

Sky Foundation offers information, advocacy, and connections to help you navigate the healthcare system, find trusted doctors, and access emotional and community support. Our mission is to raise awareness and fund research for the early detection, prevention, and treatment of pancreatic cancer—bringing hope and strength to patients and families every step of the way.

If you need additional guidance or wish to be connected to a Sky Advocate, contact Sky’s Executive Director, Annie Dalton Flores, at:
📧 Annie@SkyFoundationInc.org
📞 248-385-5143

Financial Support for Medical Research

At Sky Foundation, Inc., every dollar donated fuels hope. Your support directly funds innovative pancreatic cancer research, advancing early detection, prevention, and treatment for patients and families nationwide.

Research Funding

Donations to Sky Foundation are awarded as grants to scientists and clinicians whose work shows the greatest promise in improving pancreatic cancer outcomes.

All proposals are carefully reviewed by our Scientific Advisory Committee (SAC) — a team of top medical experts who evaluate each project for innovation, impact, and feasibility.

• Seed grants begin at $50,000, providing the early funding needed for researchers to grow their ideas into competitive projects.
• Sky-funded researchers often go on to secure major national grants from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and other institutions.
• Annual progress reports ensure transparency and track the measurable impact of each funded project.

🎥 Hear from our researchers about how Sky seed grants are driving breakthroughs at our annual event:

👉 Stars in Our Sky

Planned Giving

You can create a lasting legacy by supporting Sky Foundation through planned giving. These gifts extend your impact well into the future, fueling the next generation of discoveries.

Ways to Give:

• Legacy gifts through your will or trust

• Gifts of appreciated stock or mutual funds

• Donor-advised fund grants

📘 Learn more about planned giving options and how your generosity can sustain pancreatic cancer research:

👉 Planned Giving Information

For personal guidance, contact Annie Dalton Flores at 📧 Annie@SkyFoundationInc.org | ☎ 248-385-5143

 Attend an Event

Sky Foundation hosts inspiring events year-round — each one designed to raise awareness, fund research, and connect our community.

Signature Events Include:

• Sky Movement – community-driven awareness campaign
• Pickleball Tournament – fun, fitness, and fundraising
• Doc-Tail Mixer – networking with Michigan’s medical community
• Night Sky Gala – our largest annual event each November

Proceeds from every event fund seed grants that drive research in early detection, prevention, and treatment.

👉 View Upcoming Events

Committee Involvement

Your time and expertise can make a difference.
Join a committee or volunteer at Sky Foundation events to help raise awareness and strengthen our impact.

Ways to Get Involved:

• Join the Fundraising Committee to plan annual events.
• Volunteer at the Ann Arbor Art Fair or other community events.
• Support Sky’s mission alongside passionate advocates and survivors.

Interested? Contact Annie Dalton, Executive Director, at
📧 ADalton@SkyFoundationInc.org | ☎ 248-385-5143

Sponsor Special Events

Partner with Sky Foundation as an event sponsor and help bring hope to thousands affected by pancreatic cancer. Sponsorship levels are available for all events, offering meaningful recognition for your business while supporting lifesaving research.

To learn more about sponsorship opportunities, contact:
📧 ADalton@SkyFoundationInc.org | ☎ 248-385-5143

Spread the Word

Awareness saves lives.
Sharing information about pancreatic cancer symptoms and risk factors helps others detect the disease earlier and seek timely care.

Ways to Get Involved:

• Participate in the Sky Movement
• Join a committee or volunteer team
• Take a shift at the Ann Arbor Art Fair
• Share our posts on social media to reach more families

Together, we can create a future where pancreatic cancer is detected early and treated successfully.