top of page
ABOUT GERRY
A Life of Love, Strength, and Legacy
Join the Fight to Cure Pancreatic Cancer: In Loving Memory of Gerry Foran III
The Fightin' Foran’s Foundation is named in honor of Gerry Foran III. His legacy continues to inspire the fight against pancreatic cancer, providing resources and support to others battling this disease. Your donation and sponsorship helps fund research, clinical trials, and resources for those battling pancreatic cancer.
Remembering Gerry: A Journey Through His Life
Take a glimpse into Gerry’s life, from cherished family moments to his strength in his battle with cancer. These photos capture the essence of who Gerry was—a loving husband, father, friend, and warrior in the fight against cancer.
Early Symptoms and Diagnosis
A Change in Health
Gerry’s journey with pancreatic cancer began in November 2021 at age 46. While on an anniversary trip to the Florida Keys with his wife, Laura, he noticed mild gastrointestinal symptoms. Back home in Pennsylvania, bloodwork revealed elevated liver enzymes, leading to further tests and a devastating diagnosis: Pancreatic Cancer.
Facing the News with Positivity
Despite the shock of this news, Gerry’s determination never wavered. He faced the diagnosis head-on, determined to fight with everything he had—seeking the best care, staying positive, and never giving up hope.
The Battle Begins
Fighting with Determination
Gerry began his treatment journey with a team of skilled physicians and surgeons at Lehigh Valley Cancer Center. Believing the cancer was confined to the pancreas, he bravely tackled eight rounds of chemotherapy in preparation for a Whipple surgery.
Overcoming Setbacks
During surgery in March 2022, doctors discovered the cancer had spread to his liver, making the Whipple procedure impossible. It was not what everyone had hoped for but Gerry refused to give in.
Pushing Forward with Hope
Instead of losing hope, Gerry focused on his next move—finding the right clinical trial to continue his fight. In April 2022, he met with Dr. Eileen O'Reilly, a world-renowned pancreatic cancer expert at Memorial Sloan Kettering in Manhattan. Under her care, Gerry started additional treatments, including another round of chemotherapy and, later, a Phase 3 clinical trial.
Clinical Trials and Hope for the Future
Embracing New Treatment Options
In August 2022, Gerry began a Phase 3 clinical trial at Memorial Sloan Kettering (MSK), which showed promising results for several months. When scans in early 2023 revealed that the cancer had progressed, Gerry shifted focus to a second clinical trial (Phase 1) that targeted his unique KRAS G12-D mutation. Excited by the trial’s potential, Gerry saw it as an opportunity to help advance pancreatic cancer research.
Facing Challenges with Courage
Throughout his treatments, Gerry’s positive spirit never wavered. He traveled weekly from Eastern Pennsylvania to MSK, enduring long days, neuropathy in his feet, and the harsh side effects of chemotherapy—yet he never complained.
Living Life on His Terms
Throughout his battle, Gerry remained dedicated to his running his pool business and refused to let his diagnosis define him. He cherished precious moments with family, traveling, enjoyed fishing trips with his dad in the Adirondacks, and continued to create lasting memories with those he loved.
More Than a Fight: Life Beyond Cancer
A Passion for Life
Gerry's life was far more than
his fight with cancer. He was
a passionate traveler,
avid fisherman, and the ultimate "handyman" who found joy in life's simple pleasures.
Cherishing Family Moments
Above all, Gerry loved spending time at home with his wife, Laura, their children, and their beloved dog, Daisy, whom they adopted in early 202 2. Daisy quickly became his therapy pet, offering him comfort and companionship during the most challenging times.
Living Life to the Fullest
Whether taking weekend getaways with friends or
relaxing in his backyard
oasis, Gerry was determined
to make the most of every moment. Despite his
diagnosis, he remained
focused on creating lasting memories with those he loved.
Gerry's Legacy
The End of a Brave Battle
After a courageous 20-month battle, Gerry passed away peacefully at home on June 14, 2023, surrounded
by his family
A Legacy of Laughter and Love
Through all of his treatments and challenges, Gerry never lost his sense of humor or his love for life. He was known for his funny t-shirts, witty remarks, and ability to bring joy to those around him. Even as he faced the toughest moments. Gerry's humor and positivity remained a constant source of light. He touched countless lives with his laughter and was always ready to share a smile.
Continuing the Fight
Gerry’s final wish was to make sure others who faced the same fight had the resources and support he had. We honor Gerry’s memory by continuing his courageous fight through the Fightin’ Foran’s Foundation, advocating for greater awareness andresearch in the battle against pancreatic cancer.
bottom of page