All schools in Upshur County will close at 1 p.m. today. All B-UHS sporting events today are canceled.

Pancreatic Cancer Action Network volunteers arrange for Notre Dame High School students to attend NBA game

Members of the Notre Dame High School senior class attend an Orlando Magic game with a PanCAN connection. (Photo courtesy Orlando Magic)

The Class of 2022 of Notre Dame High School recently returned from their Class Trip to Florida.  Class members spent time at Disney’s Magic Kingdom, Disney Springs, Cocoa Beach, as well as Sea World, April 10-14.

A highlight of the trip for the students was attending the last home game of the season of the NBA’s Orlando Magic.  The event was arranged by Nathan Burger, a member of the Orlando Magic staff, and Annette Fetty-Santilli, mother of senior class member Stephanie Santilli.  Both Nathan and Annette are members of the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCAN) National Volunteer Advisory Council.  Nathan lost a good friend to pancreatic cancer, and is the PurpleStride Coordinator for the Central Florida PanCAN PurpleStride.  Annette lost her brother to pancreatic cancer, and is the West Virginia Community Partner for PanCAN.

Once Annette learned of the proposed trip to Orlando, she contacted Nathan and the plan was put in motion. 

Senior Stephanie Santilli of Philippi has volunteered for several years for PanCAN after losing her uncle to the disease, and recruited her friend Lucy Ruble-Osborne of Lost Creek to volunteer for the cause.  Lucy’s godmother is currently battling the disease.

Most of the members of the class had never attended an NBA game, and this was the perfect opportunity to arrange this actvity.

PanCAN is a nationwide organization of volunteers seeking to create a world in which all those diagnosed with pancreatic cancer will thrive.  This was truly an example of volunteers working together to provide a wonderful experience for youth.

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