By now you’ve most likely seen on the news the very public battle Alex Trebek is facing with pancreatic cancer. Unfortunately, not as newsworthy, but still a reality, are people in NH diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, pancreatitis or diseases of the pancreas. November is Pancreatic Cancer Awareness month.

On Nov. 9, Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, home of the Walter & Carole Young Pancreas Center, will host its annual Pancreas Education Day. If you or someone you know has been diagnosed with pancreatic disease, pancreatitis or pancreatic cancer this is a chance to learn more about pancreatic disease. The free event will include presentations by Dr. Timothy Gardner, director of pancreatic disorders; Dr. Kerrington Smith, division chief, surgical oncology; and Jeannine Mills, nutritionist. You’ll also hear from a patient who has dealt with pancreatic disease. It’s an opportunity to ask and have your questions answered by doctors that diagnose and treat pancreatic disease frequently.

Pancreas Education Day is a gathering of patients and medical experts all in one room discussing the same subject. Those in attendance will learn they aren’t going through the journey alone. Having lost both my mother and husband to pancreatic cancer, the annual event is a chance to learn about new research and treatment options.

Early registration is suggested, as past events have been well-attended and seating is limited. You can register online at http://go.d-h.org/pancreas-day or call Kim at 603-650-5261 if you don’t have access to a computer.