Although modern science has slowly been progressing in battling different types of cancer with a variety of treatments, pancreatic cancer is still a death sentence — despite the fact that people who are diagnosed with it are able to live longer.
Pancreatic Cancer Diagnosis is Still a Death Sentence
I have had family members die from pancreatic cancer. One of them was my uncle, who passed away approximately three decades ago only three weeks after he was first diagnosed with the horrific disease.
Arne M. Sorenson is the latest person to succumb to pancreatic cancer at 62 years of age — but he fought a tough fight. “In May 2019, the company announced that Mr. Sorenson had been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. On February 2, 2021, Marriott shared the news that Mr. Sorenson would temporarily reduce his schedule to facilitate more demanding treatment for pancreatic cancer”, according to this official press release from Marriott International, Incorporated. “Mr. Sorenson became the third CEO in Marriott’s history in 2012, and the first without the Marriott surname. A visionary leader, Mr. Sorenson put the company on a strong growth trajectory that included the $13-billion acquisition of Starwood Hotels & Resorts. During his tenure as CEO, Mr. Sorenson was tireless in driving the company’s progress, creating opportunities for associates, growth for owners and franchisees and results for the company’s shareholders. Known for his leadership on difficult national and global issues, Mr. Sorenson steered Marriott to make significant progress on diversity, equity and inclusion, environmental sustainability and human trafficking awareness.”
A message to Marriott International associates from President and CEO Arne Sorenson. pic.twitter.com/OwsF14TZgb
— Marriott International (@MarriottIntl) March 19, 2020
It is with a heavy heart that Marriott International announces that our beloved President and CEO, Arne Sorenson, passed away unexpectedly yesterday after a fight with pancreatic cancer. https://t.co/jhKkyQF3SP pic.twitter.com/BpHJnWrjy9
— Marriott International (@MarriottIntl) February 16, 2021
A new chief executive officer of Marriott International, Incorporated is expected to be appointed and officially announced within the next two weeks.
Summary
My thoughts go out to the family, friends, and colleagues of Arne M. Sorenson — as well as to all of the employees of Marriott International, Incorporated — and members of FlyerTalk are also paying tribute to him.
Like other cancers, pancreatic cancer knows no bounds. The disease generally does not discern from profession, financial standing, fame, gender, age, race, religion, creed, nationality, or sexual orientation. Anyone can be diagnosed with it at any time.
All I can say is: cancer sucks — and pancreatic cancer really sucks.
As pink is the official color which represents breast cancer, purple is the official color which represents pancreatic cancer.
In the meantime, several organizations are dedicated to battling pancreatic cancer and providing support for those people who are diagnosed with the disease — as well as for members of their families — and although they contain additional information and details pertaining to the vicious disease and how you can help, these organizations are not intended to be official recommendations by me, as they have not been personally researched by me:
- The Lustgarten Foundation for Pancreatic Cancer Research — 100 percent of donations purportedly fund pancreatic cancer research.
- National Pancreatic Cancer Foundation
- The National Pancreas Foundation
- Pancreatic Cancer Action Network
- Hirshberg Foundation for Pancreatic Cancer Research
- Pancreatica
- American Cancer Society, Incorporated
Source: Marriott International, Incorporated.
