TCGives fights to end pancreatic cancer in loving memory of Kathleen K. Schoemaker, beloved mother to Annemarie Tester and Jeremy Schoemaker.

OUR STORY

TCGives fights to end pancreatic cancer in loving memory of Kathleen K. Schoemaker, beloved mother to Annemarie Tester and Jeremy Schoemaker who lost her battle to Pancreatic Cancer in 2016. Prior to receiving the devastating news that she had Stage 4 Pancreatic Cancer and under a year of life remaining, she worked full time as the CFO of Domain Associates, exercised daily, and loved spending time with her grandchildren. Kathleen would often say, “I am completely healthy except for my pancreatic cancer.” Kathleen took that year to undergo treatment, spend quality time with her family, and maintain her faith. She lived her remaining time with true strength and didn’t spend a single moment regretful or angry at her diagnosis. She was remarkable and we miss her every day.

OUR MISSION

Pancreatic cancer is the third-leading cause of cancer death in this country with more than 62,000 Americans diagnosed each year. Proceeds raised through TCGives will go directly to Jefferson Health’s Molecular Profiling of Pancreatic Cancer initiative, led by Dr. Charles Yeo and one of the top pancreatic surgical research teams in the country. This testing, which seeks to identify biomarkers in tumors and inform tumor-specific treatment, is not covered by insurance in early-stage pancreatic cancer and relies on donations like yours to ensure every pancreas surgical patient’s tumor is profiled, regardless of insurance coverage. This research will advance pancreatic cancer treatment and improve survival rates, ultimately providing the biggest gift to those faced with pancreatic cancer: hope.

2023 EVENT

On October 27, 2023, Tester Construction Gives held its second benefit concert in support of the Jefferson Pancreas, Biliary and Related Cancer Center.

This year’s event was particularly special, as it featured our first named artists– Cas Haley and Brian Kelley; a dream come true for The Tester Family. Making the event even more special, was the opportunity to honor the life and legacy of Tony Petrucci, a beloved friend’s family member.

Thanks to the generous contributions of friends, family, subcontractors, and clients, TCGives raised $127,500, bringing the total to $277,500 since the first TCGives event in November of 2022. We remain committed to fighting for families like the Petrucci’s and many others in honor of Kathleen Schoemaker until pancreatic cancer no longer threatens the lives of loved ones.

PAST EVENTS

In November of 2022, on World Pancreatic Cancer Day, Tester Construction Gives held its inaugural fundraiser, a private concert benefitting Jefferson Health’s Molecular Profiling of Pancreatic Cancer initiative. We shared the night with 300 of our closest friends, raising $150,000 for Jefferson. We are planning the 2023 event and have hopes of growing this event year over year to honor the memory of Kathleen K. Schoemaker and ultimately end pancreatic cancer.