POST FALLS - Kathy Hlebichuk walked into The Press office in 2007 with a briefcase full of pamphlets and handouts about pancreatic cancer.

She also carried with her a framed photo of her sister, Barb Hanson, who died from the disease in 2000.

With tears in her eyes, Hlebichuk said at the time, that she wanted everyone to know about pancreatic cancer, that it is a deadly disease without a cure.

Back then, it seemed she was the only person in North Idaho speaking up for families and patients dealing with the illness.

She has never stopped talking about it.

Because of Hlebichuk's passion and drive, through the years, her lone voice has grown into a chorus of volunteers, all members of the North Idaho affiliate of the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, a national nonprofit dedicated to finding a cure for the deadly disease.

When her sister was diagnosed, the lack of available information and support for families and patients was overwhelming for Hlebichuk and her family.

They felt alone during some of the darkest moments of their lives.

Hlebichuk now works tirelessly to make sure no one else feels that sense of devastating uncertainty and isolation.

How did your sister's death lead you to become an activist working on behalf of patients and families affected by pancreatic cancer?

After losing my sister, Barb, I realized how neglected this disease really is. I had never known anyone with it, so after her diagnosis, I researched the disease to be able to help her through this journey. At that time, Pancreatic Cancer Action Network was newly formed and didn't have the resources that it has now.

I found most of my research and support through the Johns Hopkins pancreatic cancer website and discussion board. That was such a blessing for me as I was able to connect with people going through the same things we were. I am very grateful to that discussion board also, because that is what led me to this organization and the many friends I have met.

Shortly after coming home from Barb's funeral, some of my family and I took part in our local Relay for Life. After attending this, we knew we had to get involved, which led us to publish our first cookbook, "Two Sisters Cookbook." We used that as our fundraiser for Relay.

Four months after my sister passed away, I organized the first Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Day at LaPetite Salon where I was employed. It was an amazing day. People whose lives had been touched by this disease stopped by just to say thank you for making a voice for this disease. I got in touch with Pancreatic Cancer Action Network and asked if they could send me printed information on this disease, to have available. Our beauty suppliers were kind enough to donate items that assembled into baskets to raffle. We donated those funds to this organization.

I guess it was after these two events that I realized that I wanted to continue to help others that were experiencing the same thing that we had with my sister. Never in my lifetime would I have imagined myself volunteering for a national organization for pancreatic cancer, but I do it in memory of my dear sister and those still battling this disease.

What is the mission of the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network?

The mission of Pancreatic Cancer Action Network is to: Advance research, support patients, create hope. It has become the national leader in the quest to defeat pancreatic cancer. The Pancreatic Cancer Action Network fulfills its mission through a comprehensive strategy that combines directly funding research, generating public policy, providing patient services, and extending community outreach and education nationwide. We want to be a beacon of hope for the pancreatic cancer community by providing leadership and unity in the urgent fight to find a cure.

Are you the founder of the North Idaho affiliate, and what year was the chapter started?

I started awareness here locally in 2000, before this newly-formed organization even had nationwide affiliates. I did what I could, where I could, in this area from that time on. I just knew there were people out there like our family, that needed the support. Our team really came together in 2009. In March, I was in Washington, D.C., for Advocacy Day on The Hill with this organization, lobbying for better funding for pancreatic cancer.

While there, I was contemplating stepping down, discouraged that I was the only one there from Idaho and really, the only voice in North Idaho. However, in between my meetings, I got this recorded phone call, "Hi... I am calling just to tell you that God cares about you and is here for you... etc."

That phone call changed everything. Not only did the rest of my day on The Hill go well, but when I got home, the phone started ringing with local people wanting to do something about this disease. That is how the North Idaho Affiliate got started.

I called several people whose lives I knew had been touched by this disease. We met and started planning our first big fundraiser, Cruisin' for a Cure, that raised $14,000. Last year, we organized a bike ride fundraiser called PurpleRide, which raised $22,000. We want to make this an annual event and have set this years date for Sept. 10.

How many members are now in the North Idaho chapter?

Last year, we were contacted by several people in Eastern Washington who were interested in joining our mission. With them, we have approximately 10-15 active members. We are always looking for more volunteers to help make a difference with this disease. Everyone uses their talents and strengths to benefit this cause. Most of the affiliate members' lives have been touched by pancreatic cancer, but we also have those who haven't been directly affected by the disease, and just want to help with our mission.

How are things going in the fight to find a cure for this disease?

Unfortunately, there are no early diagnostic tools for pancreatic cancer. It is the No. 4 leading cause of cancer death and yet it is the most under-funded, under-recognized and least-studied of all major cancer killers. Scientists are working hard on innovative research that will hopefully lead to early detection methods and treatments, but they desperately need more funding in order to drive pancreatic cancer research and give patients a fighting chance.

It is alarming that in 2009 only 2 percent of the National Cancer Institute's annual budget was dedicated to funding pancreatic cancer research and scientists.

The Pancreatic Cancer Action Network is working to change the terrible statistics associated with this disease, and they're working to create hope in a comprehensive way through research, patient support, community outreach and advocacy for a cure. Here in Coeur d'Alene, we are also working in our community to raise awareness and much-needed funds to find a cure for pancreatic cancer.

What was it like in the early days of the group?

For nine years, I pretty much was the North Idaho affiliate. I just wanted to be there to help change this disease and be a support for those going through it. I recall one memory, of a local family who had a family member newly diagnosed and scheduled for surgery for pancreatic cancer. All I could think about was them sitting alone in the waiting room, just as we had for my sister. I decided to assemble a basket of snacks and show up in the waiting room with it, not even knowing who they were, just like Little Red Riding Hood. I just wanted to let them know they weren't alone.

How much time per week do you estimate you spend on Pancreatic Cancer Action Network related activities? Is it emotionally draining at times?

The time I spend volunteering depends on what we are working on at the time. The closer we get to our fundraiser date, the more hours are spent on organizing a successful event.

That can mean a lot, but then it all goes back to me remembering what my sister endured with her illness, and this seems like a piece of cake. It can be very stressful at times, especially with working a full-time job besides, but it's all worth it in the end.

What are the joys?

One of the joys for me is being able to say I have two amazing survivors who are active in our affiliate. Pancreatic cancer only has a 6 percent chance of survival after 5 years.

One of our survivors is 7 years surviving and the other is 2 years. When my sister was given 3-6 months to live, I remember I had found an 18-month survivor and thought that was so hopeful.

I want to create that hope for others. Over these past 10 years, I have seen what we, as an organization, are doing for this disease. It is making a difference. The second joy is having a wonderful group of volunteers with the same passion I have regarding pancreatic cancer. After being the only voice in North Idaho for so long, and now to have a team...wow.

What are the greatest challenges the group faces today?

The need for more volunteers is a significant challenge. We are constantly looking for more help with our efforts. It's just getting the word out, that we have fun and make a difference, at the same time. The fundraising is some what of a challenge, also, with the current economic conditions.

What are you most proud of when it comes to the North Idaho Affiliate and its members?

I am most proud to say that we have an amazing team, dedicated to this organization's mission. We have a sense of family and work well together. Most of us have lost a loved one to this disease and want to see a change. By working together, we are making a much needed voice and help generate research dollars with our fundraising efforts. Information: (208) 640-6341, and www.pancan.org

Date of birth: May 13, 1957

Family: Husband, Mike, of 34 years, two sons and two future daughters-in-law

Hobbies: Decorating, shopping, cooking, baking, travel, camping with friends

Favorite book: "The Notebook"

Favorite movie genre: Romantic comedies, drama

Favorite type of music: Country

One thing you consider your greatest accomplishment: I feel I have a couple of great accomplishments ... a wonderful marriage, two beautiful sons, publishing two cookbooks and my volunteering for pancreatic cancer.

Person who most influenced your life: My family has had a positive and strong influence in my life. My husband shows me the importance of humor.

Best advice you ever received: "Treat others the way you want to be treated," and "Always be honest."