After the passing of beloved actor Patrick Swayze in 2009, his wife Lisa Niemi Swayze dedicated herself to spreading awareness about pancreatic cancer, the disease that took his life. Since his death, Niemi Swayze has worked tirelessly to keep his memory alive and to warn others about the subtle yet crucial symptoms of this silent killer.
The journey began when Swayze noticed his eyes turning yellow and experienced digestive problems. Niemi Swayze insisted they visit the doctor, and after a series of tests, they received the devastating diagnosis of pancreatic cancer. Despite the grim prognosis, the couple refused to give up, fighting the disease with every ounce of strength they had.
Swayze’s doctor noted that his survival for two years with the condition was a remarkable feat, given the aggressive nature of pancreatic cancer. Although Swayze continued to smoke during his treatment, his doctor believed that it didn’t significantly impact his survival.
In the end, Swayze’s battle with cancer came to an end on September 14, 2009. Niemi Swayze remembers the final moments they shared, with their last words to each other being “I love you.” Since then, she has continued to fight for awareness and research, working with the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network and advocating for more funding on Capitol Hill.
This is Patrick Swayze last photo. Pancreatic cancer too. pic.twitter.com/sL39kCJVx5
— Pierre Dollon’y (@fchooyagresywny) July 4, 2023
Niemi Swayze’s efforts have been instrumental in raising awareness about the disease, including sharing a poignant photo of Swayze in his final days. Her dedication to her late husband’s legacy serves as a reminder of the importance of knowing the signs and symptoms of pancreatic cancer. By sharing their story, Niemi Swayze hopes to inspire others to take action and support the fight against this deadly disease.
