Empowering Change: Steven Merlin and Davi D’Agostino Join Forces to Make a Difference
In a remarkable story of resilience and camaraderie, Steven Merlin from New Jersey and Davi D’Agostino from Virginia have joined forces after both faced the daunting challenge of metastatic pancreatic cancer. Their paths converged through shared experiences and a mutual commitment to supporting others navigating similar battles. Since Steven began sharing his journey in 2017, he has become an advocate for those affected by this aggressive cancer, while Davi has utilized her own journey to inspire and guide fellow patients.
Shared Struggles: A Journey Through Cancer
Both Steven and Davi’s cancer journeys highlight the emotional and physical toll of receiving a terminal diagnosis. Steven was diagnosed in June 2012 with acinar cell carcinoma, a rare and aggressive form of cancer. Despite undergoing the Whipple procedure and chemotherapy, he faced a setback when metastasis was discovered just five months later. Davi’s journey began in February 2018 when a tumor was identified during tests for a different health concern. She was diagnosed with stage IV adenocarcinoma, which was deemed inoperable due to its location and spread to her liver.
Genetic Insights: Connection Through Testing
A pivotal factor in their treatment journeys was genetic testing, which revealed that both had mutations in the BRCA2 gene. Steven’s mutation was inherited, while Davi’s was spontaneous. This discovery led them to enroll in clinical trials at the University of Pennsylvania, where they received targeted therapies tailored to their specific genetic profiles.
Davi learned about a patient in a trial who thrived on the drug Rubraca, which inspired her to document her experiences on her blog, titled Davi’s Pancreatic Cancer Journey. Her aim was to provide guidance and hope to newly diagnosed patients and their caregivers, sharing insights from her own fight against cancer.
Advocacy and Support: A Mutual Mission
Both Steven and Davi’s shared experiences fueled their passion for advocacy. Steven has been actively involved with PanCAN, working to raise awareness and funding for pancreatic cancer research while offering support to patients and their families. Davi, through her blog, receives inquiries from individuals worldwide seeking advice on managing their diagnoses and navigating treatment options.
Their collaboration deepened as they began discussing scientific questions, particularly regarding precision therapies. With Steven’s background in cancer research, he provides valuable insights on molecular profiling and clinical trials, guiding patients to resources like the Let’s Win Trial Finder. This partnership has evolved to include video conferences, allowing them to assist patients and caregivers around the globe.
A Long-Awaited Meeting: From Virtual to Reality
Despite living only four hours apart, Steven and Davi had not met in person until their travels aligned in October 2021. Steven journeyed from Zürich, while Davi, who conducts painting classes on European river cruises, welcomed him in Avignon. They enjoyed a memorable visit to the Pont du Gard aqueduct, fulfilling a childhood dream for Steven.
Their connection continued to flourish, leading to another meeting on December 7th at the Abramson Cancer Center at the University of Pennsylvania. They have plans to reunite in Europe again in March 2022, reinforcing their commitment to supporting pancreatic cancer patients and advocating for better treatment outcomes.
Conclusion: Transforming Adversity into Hope
Through their shared experiences and advocacy efforts, Steven and Davi exemplify the power of community in battling pancreatic cancer. Their determination to transform their challenges into positive outcomes not only empowers them but also inspires countless others. Together, they are dedicated to fostering hope and improving prospects for patients facing this formidable illness.
