Kathy Granara-Skerry, 56
Pancreatic cancer survivor Kathy Granara-Skerry, pictured at left, organized walks in Medford to benefit research. Courtesy photo.
Local Woman Succumbs to Pancreatic Cancer
Story Updated 11:12AM Thursday, April 23, 2009
– Allison Goldsberry
InsideMedford.com has learned that Kathy Granara-Skerry has passed away after a three and a half year battle with pancreatic cancer.
Granara-Skerry bravely battled her illness and organized a local walk that has raised several hundred thousand dollars for research.
After heading all the way down to the Cape two years ago and braving 60 mile-per-hour wind and pouring rain to take part in a cancer research walk, Granara-Skerry decided to organize a walk closer to home.
The 3.1 mile walk raised awareness of pancreatic cancer, the fourth leading cause of death among cancer victims, brought in research money, and provided support and comfort for those suffering from the disease.
Granara-Skerry was diagnosed with the disease in September of 2005 and received treatment at Massachusetts General Hospital. She underwent the Whipple surgery- the only hope for a cure- in October and received radiation treatment from December 2005 through November 2006. Granara-Skerry was cancer-free from December 2006 through February 2008 but unfortunately had a recurrence of the cancer in March 2008 and had to undergo chemotherapy.
Speaking last year before the walk, Granara-Skerry said pancreatic cancer is a particularly deadly cancer of which little is known about and where surgery is only an option for 15% of patients. She said research funding is essential so doctors can find out more about the disease and how to prevent it.
“The research, it just isn’t there and that’s what’s needed because the early intervention is so critical,†said Granara-Skerry.
The third annual Granara-Skerry walk was planned for September 2009.
Friend Kathy Dougherty-Andre grew up with Granara-Skerry. She said Granara-Skerry, as the oldest sister in a big family, took on the role of mother when her own mother passed away at a young age.
“…she was the matriach of that family and she was the glue and my heart is breaking right now for John, Nancy and Ned and the rest of the family and I am hoping that the September walk in her memory will go on and be bigger than ever,” said Dougherty Andre.
Dougherty Andre volunteered for the walk and was “blown away” when Granara-Skerry went out of her way to thank her for her help.
“I was thinking…what kind of person, with all she was dealing with, calls the people involved to personally thank them…it was such a non issue for me compared to what she was going through yet she thought I was special…wow…this was an inspirational woman…it was an honor to know her,” said Dougherty Andre.
Visiting hours are Thursday 6-8 and Friday 4-8 at the Dello Russo Funeral Home, 306 Main Street, Medford. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend a Funeral from the Dello Russo Funeral Home on Saturday at 9 AM followed by a Funeral Mass celebrated in St. Joseph Church, 118 High Street, Medford, at 10 AM. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers the family respectfully requests a donation to the MGH Pancreatic Cancer Research Department c/o 20 Butler Street, Medford, MA 02155.