A Clarksburg volunteer whose brother died of pancreatic cancer in 2007 has received the first Purple Sparkle Spirit Award from the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCAN).
Annette Fetty-Santilli began volunteering with PanCAN after her brother’s death, according to the organization’s release. The nomination came from her daughter, Stephanie. Fetty-Santilli accepted the award at the PanCAN Affiliate Forum in Dallas, Texas.
“Annette is our long-time and very amazing volunteer in West Virginia! All that we are in West Virginia is because of Annette and her tireless efforts in supporting PanCAN!” PanCAN founder Pam Marquardt said in the release.
The recognition follows PanCAN’s National Community Advocate of the Year Award, which Fetty-Santilli won in 2016. She has ranked among the top three fundraisers at PurpleStride Pittsburgh for three consecutive years and served on PanCAN’s Volunteer Advisory Committee.
Her work with the organization has included hosting PanCAN president and CEO Julie Fleshman for gatherings in Charleston and Clarksburg in 2018, alongside her daughter.
In October 2025, Fetty-Santilli attended an Upshur County Commission meeting at which Nov. 1 was proclaimed “Sam’s Pizza Day for PanCAN,” with a donation to PanCAN for every Sam’s Pizza order that day, My Buckhannon reported.
Fetty-Santilli’s volunteer work extends to the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network. After a two-year term as state lead ambassador, she now serves as ACT lead for Congressional District 2.
With Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month underway this November, Fetty-Santilli is completing plans for events. Readers can find event information in the West Virginia – Pancreatic Cancer Action Network Facebook group or email her at asantilli@pancanvolunteer.org.
Community Bulletin
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