It’s Okay to React: A Police Detective’s Incredible Journey with Pancreatic Cancer
Feb. 15, 2025—The road to survival began nearly six years ago for Ed Blackburn, founder and president of The Blackburn Family Cancer Foundation, when he was diagnosed with Stage IIb pancreatic cancer. This journey led Ed and his family to Dr. Paresh Shah and Dr. Despina Siolas. Throughout Ed’s journey he and his family have stayed in contact with both Dr. Shah and Dr. Siolas. The Blackburn family has contributed to Dr. Siolas’ research lab at Weill Cornell and on one visit to the lab they met student Doctor Christina Bogdani.
Bogdani, in her third year at NYITCOM, invited Ed and his wife, Linda to share their journey with her fellow students as part of a special presentation on doctor-patient relationships. Bogdani felt her classmates would learn from the Blackburns’ experiences and gain a better understanding of a patient’s mindset in their worst moments.
The big day came on February 14, 2025. Ed and Linda overcame their nerves and sat in front of ~400 future doctors to share their story.
Ed started with a brief introduction before diving into the day that changed his life forever. The Blackburns took the students on a journey filled with tears, insights, laughter (at their son Shane’s expense).
After 45-minutes of captivating their audience, the Blackburns passed the baton to Dr. Siolas who shared her own insights from a physician’s point of view. Dr. Siolas was equally captivating shedding light on the doctor’s experience and setting the stage for what the students could expect as they progress through their careers.
The Blackburns stayed after their discussion and spoke at length with multiple students who were interested in learning more about the family and their story. Some shared their own family’s journey with cancer while others asked about the family’s experience. Despite weeks of nerves, Ed and Linda handled themselves with grace and poise and delivered a poignant message helping to educate the doctors of tomorrow.
To learn more please visit blackburncancerfoundation.com and if you’re interested in having Ed and Linda speak at an upcoming event please contact us at shane@blackburncancerfoundation.com.
