Pancreatic cancer is one of the most aggressive and devastating forms of cancer, often progressing silently until it reaches advanced stages. For Marie Mullis Durrett, co-founder of Brenda’s Angels, the fight against pancreatic cancer is personal. She first encountered the brutal effects of this disease when her first cousin succumbed to it in August of 2009. Just one month later, Durrett’s best friend, Brenda Willis Bodie, was diagnosed with Stage 4 pancreatic cancer.
Bodie, like Durrett, was an educator who had dedicated her life to helping others. Over the next nine months, Durrett sat by her friend’s side, watching as pancreatic cancer ravaged her body. Brenda passed away in June 2010, but her memory would live on in a powerful way. Determined to preserve her friend’s legacy and help others, Durrett, along with a close-knit group of friends, founded Brenda’s Angels, a nonprofit dedicated to providing support for pancreatic cancer patients.
Brenda’s Angels is a 501(c) nonprofit that serves pancreatic cancer patients by offering both financial and emotional support, while also funding critical research and promoting education about the disease. From helping families cover medical expenses to offering guidance on navigating the complexities of cancer treatment, Brenda’s Angels has become a beacon of hope for those facing the fight of their lives.
Since its founding, Brenda’s Angels has raised nearly $200,000 in support of its mission. Over the past 15 years, Durrett and her team have helped countless families, providing relief to those in need. Currently, the organization is actively supporting nine patients, ensuring they have the resources and care required to fight this antagonistic cancer.
Durrett attributes much of Brenda’s Angels’ success to the generosity of the Aiken community. Local support has been a lifeline for the nonprofit, enabling it to offer assistance to more patients each year. “The Aiken community has shown us what it means to come together for a cause,” Marie says. “We could not have reached this level of support without their financial help and commitment.”
One of the core missions of Brenda’s Angels is spreading awareness and education about pancreatic cancer. Pancreatic cancer has an alarmingly low survival rate—only about 8.5% of patients survive five years past their diagnosis. Symptoms, often vague, and rarely detected early, can include pain that radiates to the back, weight loss and unexplained itching.
Brenda’s Angels aims to change the narrative by educating the public about the importance of recognizing symptoms early and supporting research for more effective treatments. In 2023, the organization was recognized as a PANCAN Action Network Angel, a designation that highlights its contributions to pancreatic cancer advocacy.
Each year, Brenda’s Angels hosts multiple fundraisers to raise money for both patient support and research efforts. These events are crucial in continuing their mission, and Durrett encourages everyone to participate. During the month of November, designated as Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month, Durrett asks that the community champion the cause by wearing purple or donning a purple ribbon to raise awareness about this deadly disease.
For more information on how to get involved, you can reach Durrett directly at mariedurrett@bellsouth.net. Through education, support and relentless fundraising efforts, Brenda’s Angels continues to be a lifeline for patients and families affected by pancreatic cancer, helping them face their battle with hope and dignity.