CHARLESTON, W.VA. –Throughout West Virginia, Annette Fetty-Santilli is known as “Ms. Pancreatic Cancer.” This is a title she wishes she didn’t have, but gladly accepts with the hope she can make a difference in the fight against the deadly disease that took her brother’s life nearly two years ago.
Fetty-Santilli will be honored with a Governor’s Service Award on Wednesday, July 15 by Governor Joe Manchin at the annual Governor’s Service Awards banquet at the Charleston Civic Center for her work advocating for a cure for pancreatic cancer.
Presented since 1995, the Governor’s Service Awards honors youth, young adults, adults, seniors, families, organizations and businesses who exemplify outstanding dedication to volunteerism and community service in West Virginia. Fetty-Santilli will receive her award in the adult category.
After her brother’s death in October of 2007, Fetty-Santilli set out on a mission to eradicate pancreatic cancer through the advancement of research, support of patients and creation of hope. That’s why she joined the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCAN), a national organization with which she vows to be involved for the rest of her life.
Prior to her brother’s battle with the disease, Fetty-Santilli didn’t know anything about pancreatic cancer and felt called to educate the public after her brother’s death. Her advocacy goals included informing the public of warning signs of the disease, treatment options and resources while raising funds that support research.
“The impact she has had in the fight against pancreatic cancer in the state is immeasurable,” Susie Huggins, a colleague of Fetty-Santilli’s, said. “Due to her efforts, folks are better able to recognize symptoms, which allows the disease to be diagnosed quicker, leading to a better chance of survival.”
Fetty-Santilli coordinated and participated in a variety of awareness events in 2008. Last summer, she coordinated Purple Power Night at the Appalachian Power Baseball Park, which raised over $400 for the cause and created exposure to the thousands of people attending the game. She also coordinated the first-ever Purple Scarf of Hope contest, in which artists from 13 West Virginia counties and six other states made scarves that were donated and distributed to pancreatic cancer patients.
Finally, in commemoration of Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month last November, Fetty-Santilli coordinated a variety of projects. She personally put purple ribbons on every parking meter in the City of Philippi. Also, through her initiative, Governor Manchin, twelve county commissions, and the City of Philippi signed a proclamation for the month. The number of constituents in the West Virginia PanCAN database nearly doubled as a result of her efforts last year.
“She’s very innovative,” Huggins said. “Many folks who have become involved don’t have much money to give, but they have time and talent. Annette encourages them to use what they have and she also involves volunteers of all ages.”
The Governor’s Service Awards are administered by Volunteer West Virginia, the state’s Commission for National and Community Service to honor outstanding individuals, organizations and businesses solving community problems through volunteer service. A panel of volunteer judges, including past awardees, choose the recipients on the basis of achievement, community needs, continuing involvement, innovation and impact of service.
Other recipients of the 2009 Governor’s Service Awards include, by category:
- Lifetime Achievement: Karen Betler, Harrison County; Vivian Crane, Greenbrier County
- Youth: Jonathan Ross and Anastacia Meadows both of Cabell County
- Senior: Raymond Shaw, Harrison County; Betty Russell, Berkeley County
- National Service: Ruth Pepper, Jackson County
- Organization: The Hope Shop, Wirt County; The Shepherd’s Center of Greenbrier Valley, Greenbrier County; Generation Charleston, Kanawha County
- Business: Beckley Newspaper – the Register-Herald, Raleigh County
For tickets to the awards banquet, or information about the conference, contact Moya Doneghy at (304) 558-0111 or 1-800-WV-HELPS, or by email at moya.doneghy@wv.gov.
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