September 8th, 2022, was Benjamin Orr’s 75th birthday. In an expression of gratitude for his irreplaceable voice & stage presence, a group of fans are choosing to celebrate his life and legacy in a way that Ben might if he was here to do it himself: by raising money for Pancreatic Cancer research and changing the outcome for someone else.

May be an image of 1 person, playing a musical instrument and guitarAs we know, Benjamin Orr died of pancreatic cancer on October 3, 2000, less than six months after his diagnosis. He was a father, fiancé, friend, rock star. He was only 53 years old. It is in tribute to him that we are raising awareness and funds for PanCan.org, a non-profit organization that strives to improve the lives of everyone impacted by pancreatic cancer by advancing scientific research, advocating for patients, providing patient and caregiver support, and facilitating community outreach programs.

This fundraiser started on September 7, 2022, and will continue until the goal of $7,500 is met. There is also a Facebook event that is going on now through Sunday night. There are drawings, giveaways, and fun stuff being posted. It’s not too late to join in! And while you’re enjoying the content, won’t you please consider giving to this impactful cause in memory of Ben?

I was supportive of this cause when I first found out that Ben barely had a fighting chance against this killer, but the devastation hit much closer to home this past spring. My beloved brother-in-law was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer on April 17 and died on May 26, just 39 days later. He was 62.

Each week we grab a coffee before work, or we order pizza for dinner after a long day. How much is that… $10? $15… $25? May I ask you to forego that treat this one time and donate that money to our fundraiser instead? You’d be contributing to the health and healing of so many others who have to face the reality of a pancreatic cancer diagnosis.

Please follow this direct link to donate online in honor of Benjamin Orr (US and Canada): https://secure.pancan.org/site/TR/DIY/DIYTeamraisers?team_id=37580&pg=team&fr_id=1081
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Credit card is the preferred method of donation. However, if your only option is by check, you can mail in a donation to pancan.org using this form: http://media.pancan.org/org/pancan_donation_form.pdf If you write “BENJAMIN ORR @ 75 CELEBRATION & PANCAN FUNDRAISER” on the top of the form they will add your donation to our goal.

For international donations from outside of North America, please call PanCan at (310) 725-0025 weekdays between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. PST and their Customer Service team will be happy to help you! (If you call after hours or on the weekend, you will need to leave a message and they will return your call on the following business day to assist you.)

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14 thoughts on “Benjamin Orr @ 75 Celebration & PanCan Fundraiser

  1. Donna,
    I am so sorry for your loss. It is a devastating sudden killer. So many people have been impacted by it. My step-dad also died very quickly after initial diagnosis.
    My heart goes out to your family! I did donate, and used my name Marlene.
    Thanks for working so hard to meet your contribution goal.

    Liked by 1 person

  2. Hi Donna! I’ll donate when I get paid on Friday. My birthday is in October (the day after sweet Julie’s) and I always choose pancan as my fundraiser. I don’t know if I’d told you, I have 3 generations of pancan in my family. My Mom, her Dad and his Dad. They say it’s not hereditary, but “runs in families”. That’s the same, if you ask me. I’m so sorry to hear about your brother-in-law. It’s horrid. 😦

    Liked by 1 person

  3. This is a wonderful contribution on your part Donna, and I sincerely hope more of “The Ben Groups” people will contribute in this great cause. Pancreatic cancer, for obvious reasons, is highlighted here, but any and all cancer research is universally beneficial.

    Liked by 1 person

  4. I’ve finally had the time to read this. It makes me sad I was unable to participate in the event this past weekend but we had two deaths in my extended family the past two weeks. Both funerals were held this past weekend.
    Such sad news about your brother-in-law. Is this the one you spoke about reciting Cars lyrics to his wife?
    Having lost two uncles to pancreatic cancer I know personally how horrible this disease is. I’m glad the fundraiser is still ongoing so I can at least make a donation.
    So sorry for the loss your family has felt.

    Debra

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Oh Debra, I’m so sorry for your loss! I am thinking of you as you go into the holiday season — the first without your loved ones. It’s very painful. This is a different brother-in-law than the one who loves The Cars.

      Not sure if you saw but the pancan page will remain open, and I promised that if we get to $5,000 in contributions by the end of the year, I will publish video footage of Benjamin playing with The Grasshoppers. That will be fun! ❤

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      1. Hi Donna,

        Thank you for the reply. Christmas will be different this year because one was my SIL’s mother. I know it will be hard for her and her absence will be felt at our Christmas dinner.
        I still haven’t been able to contribute because my cats have had a continuing upper respiratory infection with numerous vet visits and prescriptions given. So money has been a little tight. But I plan to by the end of the year.

        So a silly thing I’m sure your buddy Dave will say is just a coincidence. Went to my car after the vet visit and the car that had parked beside me had this license plate number.
        RED-8444
        Red for the pants, his B-day and 444. I just laughed. I’ve kind of been absent from looking at posts on any Ben pages. Just so much personal stuff going on.

        Merry Christmas
        Debra

        Liked by 1 person

      2. Debra, please don’t stress about giving. I know we are all doing the best we can! Sending you a hug, and your sister-in-law, too.

        I think that’s awesome about the license plate. I look for things like that all the time! There was a gal on Facebook who used to post something like “4:44 Benjasisters!” nearly every day and I always think of that when I catch the time at exactly 4:44. LOL Dominos, the number 11, ‘do not enter’ signs… lots of little things make me think of him.

        Merry Christmas to you, too, Debra. ❤

        Like

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