36 Days: Love, Loss, and the Fight Against Pancreatic Cancer

On February 3rd, 2025, my beloved husband lost his battle with pancreatic cancer only 36 days after being diagnosed. Lance was a beautiful soul. To know him was to be seen and loved. He championed so many important things in our industry from mentoring the next generation of architects and interior designers to fostering sustainability initiatives. He was a dedicated and knowledgeable Architect, who loved his craft and our amazing design community. He loved our town and worked tirelessly on town committees to make it a better place. But most of all, he loved our little family of three and his daughter was his pride and joy.

In the 36 days from Lance’s diagnosis to his passing I learned more than I ever wanted to know about cancer. There were so many amazing people who helped us, and medical professionals who were compassionate and caring. And there was one doctor that was amazing and I am eternally grateful to him. But there were also many missteps with his main care team. Things were missed, people were not honest and forthcoming, and we were not given the information we needed to make the choices that would have allowed Lance to pass with dignity. The world of pancreatic cancer is like the Wild West…it’s too deadly, too silent, and we don’t know enough yet, so the medical profession is often failing people diagnosed with this very aggressive silent killer, partly because there are just not enough options yet and partly because they have chosen to focus on only a path of perceived positivity and evasive answers. 

But there is hope; somehow, I have found hope after this horrible journey. Mostly because I am a person who needs to turn tragedy into action as I know my husband wants me to by helping others. I want to help families, so they do not go through what we went through. Doctors should be honest. Patients and caregivers should be given more resources and should have a thorough understanding of their situations and their options. Families should be told to prepare. But most importantly, the world needs to be educated about pancreatic cancer, so we can catch it sooner.

There is amazing research being done, medications being tested, and some trailblazers in the medical field who want to change the outcome for the future. There are advances in early detection and procedures that prolong life happening right now. 

In the spirit of my husband whose light graced everyone he knew and his drive to help people, connect people, and make the world a better place I have founded Blueprints for Hope. Please join me in making a difference today.

Jessica Mann-Amato
President

Let us all live, love, laugh, and lead like Lance.