Allina Health Newsroom

“They were there for me, and they wanted me to move forward as healthy as I was before,” said Howard.

Today, more than eight years after his diagnosis, Howard is living proof of the comprehensive, expert cancer care provided by teams at the Allina Health Cancer Institute.

“Pancreatic cancer is and remains one of the more difficult cancers to treat. The unfortunate part of pancreatic cancer is that oftentimes it’s diagnosed too late,” said Ashwin Kamath, MBBS, FACS, a hepato‑pancreato‑biliary surgical oncologist at Allina Health.

In Howard’s case, the cancer was located near the head of the pancreas, requiring a highly specialized operation known as a Whipple procedure. Due to the complexity of cancer cancers, Allina Health has oncology nurse navigators to support patients. 

“I just find it to be such a sacred opportunity,” said Jill May, BSN, RN, OCN. “Oncology nurse navigators are an integral part of supporting patients through whole‑person care to achieve the best possible outcomes. I have patients like Howard, whom I’ve known for years and am still lucky enough to keep in touch with.”

“It’s people like him that remind me why I come to work every day,” said Dr. Kamath.

Each year on the anniversary of his surgery, Howard reaches out to thank his care team. The reason for his gratitude is clear.

Watch the video to see why Howard says, "the team at Allina saved my life."

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