At Sky Foundation, Inc., we raise awareness and fund innovative research for the early detection and treatment of pancreatic cancer.
Through community events, social media, and unique awareness initiatives, we educate the public, connect families with resources, and raise critical funds for research.
We also emphasize the importance of genetic counseling for individuals with a family history of pancreatic cancer—empowering people to take preventive action and detect the disease early.
Research
Our mission begins with research. Each year, Sky Foundation awards seed grants to doctors and scientists pursuing promising pancreatic cancer studies and medical treatment breakthroughs.
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Each seed grant provides $50,000 in initial funding to help researchers advance early-stage projects.
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Our Scientific Advisory Committee (SAC), composed of leading experts in pancreatic cancer, carefully reviews and recommends which proposals to fund.
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Researchers provide annual progress updates to ensure accountability and to evaluate potential for continued or expanded funding.
Sky Foundation’s grants help fill critical funding gaps—enabling innovative ideas to grow into competitive projects that can later secure major support from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and other national institutions.
We proudly fund researchers across Michigan and throughout the United States, expanding our impact coast to coast.
Awareness
Awareness and education are at the heart of everything we do.
Because pancreatic cancer is often detected late, recognizing even subtle body changes and understanding your family history can make all the difference.
Our awareness efforts include:
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Public events that bring communities together for education and action
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Campaigns during Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month (November) and throughout the year
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Partnerships with hospitals, corporations, and community organizations to share life-saving information
By spreading awareness, we aim to give people the knowledge and confidence to advocate for themselves and their loved ones.
Genetic Counseling
Genetic counseling is an important step toward prevention and early detection.
We recommend genetic counseling for anyone with:
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A first-degree relative (parent, sibling, or child) diagnosed with pancreatic cancer
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Two or more second-degree relatives (grandparents, aunts, uncles, or cousins) with a history of the disease
🔗 Find a Genetic Counselor in Michigan
Sky Support Circle
At Sky Foundation, we know that community is one of the most powerful forms of healing.
Our Sky Support Circle is made up of dedicated Sky Advocates—individuals who have walked a similar path, either as survivors or as advocates for loved ones affected by pancreatic cancer.
These volunteers provide:
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Emotional support and understanding during difficult times
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Guidance drawn from their own lived experience
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Connection to resources, hope, and community
Whether you’re newly diagnosed, caring for a loved one, or seeking understanding after loss, our Sky Advocates are here to listen and share insight that only someone who’s been there can provide.
If you’d like to be connected with a Sky Advocate, reach out to:
📧 Annie Dalton, Executive Director – Annie@SkyFoundationInc.org
📞 248-385-5143
Outreach
Our outreach efforts extend beyond research and awareness—we believe in building community and sparking conversations that matter.
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We host special events that unite patients, caregivers, and supporters.
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We collaborate with media partners, civic groups, and local organizations to share resources and encourage early detection.
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We produce educational videos, often using relatable humor to open dialogue about a difficult subject.
Visit our YouTube Channel to watch Sky Foundation videos that educate, inspire, and bring hope to those impacted by pancreatic cancer.