You might best know the Zetz family for a touching story from April 2014 that captured the media's attention about their dying patriarch, Jim, and their youngest daughter Josie. The story received international coverage and was featured on the Today Show, ABC News, and People Magazine; the video has over 1.5 million views on YouTube.
The Zetz family story didn’t end with Jim’s walk down the aisle with Josie- that was just the beginning. On April 11, 2014 the Zetz Family established their foundation and jumped head first into their mission of finding a cure, better detection and gene identification; three short months later, Matthew "Jim" James Zetz III passed away on July 11th, 2014.
The Zetz family feels it is their life's purpose to find a way to not only test for but also find a cure for Pancreatic Cancer. Their goals are to create awareness and to assist in funding the cure, they are committed to making a difference. They are determined. They are hardworking. They are passionate. They are not afraid.
Our sole purpose is to seek out and provide funding to the most promising and cutting edge studies and projects working toward understanding and finding a cure for Pancreatic Cancer.
Key Initiatives
Create awareness of research performed at the clinical level once a patient is diagnosed with pancreatic cancer
Design a DNA donation program that is user friendly and immediately available to the patient, caregiver, and clinicians
Provide support and funding to the National Familial Pancreatic Tumor Registry at Johns Hopkins Pancreatic Cancer Center to cover costs of materials, collection, and transportation of pancreatic cancer DNA from diagnosed patients
Connect pancreatic cancer patients with organizations that meet the changing needs of affected families
ZFPCRF is a 501 C3 NON-Profit Charity.
Clear your calendars - it's going down! The 1st Annual Zetz Family Pancreatic Cancer Research Foundation Gala will be taking place on November 7th at Pala Casino Spa Resort and you're invited to share this epic evening with us!
This magical night will feature an extravagant cocktail hour, amazing hors d' oeuvres, live entertainment, an exceptional auction, outstanding speakers from Johns Hopkins Hospital, our highly anticipated after party, and much much more! This will be a night to remember & We can't wait to see you there .
For Sponsorship Information please see below.
Kathy Buckley is a five-time American Comedy Awards Nominee as Best Stand-Up Female Comedienne and the winner of countless other awards for her work. She is also an actress, writer and producer, author, humanitarian, and one of the country’s leading motivational speakers.
Her television appearances include The Tonight Show, Good Morning America, CBS This Morning, The Today Show, Entertainment Tonight, Extra, Inside Edition, CNN, HBO, VH1’s Stand-Up Spotlight, Comic Strip Live, Evening at the Improv, and Caroline's Comedy Hour. E! Entertainment even named her one of the "World’s Most Intriguing Women" in their original special.
In addition to comedy, Kathy is an actress who is also known for her co-starring roles in TV series such as Touched by an Angel, and starred in her own original, award-winning PBS special, No Labels, No Limits. Additionally, Kathy is an active volunteer for causes close to her heart. She cherishes the time she spends helping numerous children’s charities such as No Limits, a non-profit organization for children who are hard of hearing or deaf.
A sought after motivational speaker, she has inspired people around the nation, speaking at corporate events, conferences,universities, and more. She is the author of the heartfelt and hilarious book “If You Could Hear What I See.” She has also been recognized by the U.S. Air Force and U.S. Army for outstanding efforts toward disability employment awareness and is a key speaker for Anthony Robbins' Life Mastery Classes.
Whether performing in a comedy club, appearing on television, speaking publicly, teaching at camps for children, or appearing in any number of other settings, Kathy Buckley bears her message that anything can be achieved when the heart and the mind work together. Her extraordinary story is truly amazing to all who experience it.
Dr. Alexis Norris received her PhD in Cellular and Molecular Medicine from Johns Hopkins School of Medicine. She conducted her thesis work on familial pancreatic cancer in the lab of James R. Eshleman, MD, PhD. In her thesis research, Alexis characterized the genomic landscape of familial pancreatic cancer, using samples from the NFPTR at Johns Hopkins. Her analysis concluded that familial pancreatic cancers harbor mutations in the same genes that drive the development of sporadic (non-familial) pancreatic cancer. Further detailed analysis of these genes led to her discovery of a novel genomic rearrangement that deletes genes (coined “TransFlip”). Drs. Norris and Eshleman are currently developing strategies to exploit these cancer-specific rearrangements for early detection testing. Alexis recently presented the results of their pilot study at the American Society for Human Genetics meeting. In addition to her research, Alexis develops experiments for high school students to promote genetics literacy and STEM careers.
Alexandra Klann received her BS in Biology and Global Health from the University of Wisconsin- Madison. She is currently working for the National Familial Pancreas Tumor Registry (NFPTR) at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, looking at genetic and environment factors that may be attributable to pancreatic cancer. The NFPTR is looking at the risk factor for certain populations of people, and the links between other cancers and pancreatic cancer. In addition to her work at the NFPTR, she works with the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network and Camp Kesem, a weeklong summer camp for kids with parents who have been diagnosed with cancer.
Kenneth Edward "Pete" Shaw (born August 25, 1954 in Newark, New Jersey) is a former American football safety who played eight seasons in the National Football League for the San Diego Chargers and the New York Giants.
He played college football at Northwestern University and was drafted in the sixth round of the 1977 NFL Draft.
Shaw is also the younger brother of legendary Jazz trumpeter, Woody Shaw.
Byron Daniel Chamberlain (born October 17, 1971) is a former American football tight end in the National Football League.
He played professionally for the Denver Broncos, Minnesota Vikings, and the Washington Redskins.
Chamberlain won back to back Super Bowl Championships as a member of the Denver Broncos. (Super Bowls XXXII & XXXIII).
He was voted to the 2002 Pro Bowl while with the Vikings.
Joshua Christensen, from season 9 of Project Runway has come a long way from his hometown, Snohomish, WA. After graduating top of his class at FIDM in fashion design, Joshua was selected as a designer for Project Runway where he proved a lovable guy and talented designers, as the other designers voted him back halfway through the season.
After the show Joshua continued his education and graduated from the masters program at FIDM in Los Angeles. Afterwards he was offered a menswear design position for Guess Inc. Joshua left Guess to work for himself and has since worked with many incredible clients including musicians, actors and athletes.
Joshua works from his studio in Los Angeles, CA taking clients and providing amazing design and tailoring for both men and women. Creating a private collection every season, Joshua takes his fashion around the country showing at fashion weeks anywhere from LA to NY or Texas to Portland
Joshua’s goal to grow the LA market and pull fashion forward using local production and manufacturing is on track as he is working to create a new line of trendy, fun, and life-worthy clothing set to come out next year.
Growing up in Costa Rica, Henry Picado was immersed in the vibrant and colorful culture and architecture of the region; a region which continues to inspire his designs for JS Collections.
As a child, Henry became captivated by fashion. He’d watch his grandmother, an avid sewer, create dress patterns out of newspaper and magically transform them into beautiful garments. Fascinated by this craft, Henry gave design a try. At the age of 12, he designed and sewed his first outfit, a pant suit for his mom, as a Mother’s Day gift.
His designs didn’t stop there. Throughout school, Picado frequently designed clothes for friends and family and actively participated in his school’s fashion design competitions. His passion for design was evident and family and friends urged him to pursue a career in the industry. With their encouragement, Henry emigrated from Costa Rica to New York City to embark on his journey as a designer.
After completing his studies at the Fashion Institute of Technology, Henry began his career designing three lines for the House of Mackie: Bob Mackie Evening, B’Zar, and Vesper. This led to more jobs designing for TV shows and special celebrity clients. In March 2002, he was offered an opportunity to launch an evening collection for Demetrios Int, which grew into three divisions; couture, Mother of the Bride and separates. Four years later, in November 2006, Henry accepted a position at Aidan Mattox, where under his direction, the business quadrupled and grew to an international level. Throughout the course of his career, Picado’s designs have garnered a strong following among celebrities including Lauren Conrad, Stephanie Pratt, Anna Lynn McCord, Carrie Ann Inaba, Blake Lively, Leighton Meester, Soledad O’Brien, and Dayana Mendoza (Miss Universe 2008).
In August 2011, Picado was hired by JS Collections to revamp the image of the brand and appeal to a more fashion forward customer. As Creative Director, Picado has repositioned and revitalized the 30 year old JS Collections brand. He continues to infuse his colorful Costa Rican upbringing into his designs and strives to make every woman who wears his designs feel like a celebrity walking onto the red carpet.
Jaime Elyse is Southern California’s premier wedding gown designer. From her start at age sixteen hand-sewing prom dresses for friends, Jaime Elyse has become an international fashion designer, with an in-demand sense of style and commitment to quality. Jaime Elyse Couture can be seen in runways, magazines and bridal boutiques around the world.
Jaime Elyse Couture has most recently been featured on the 2015 runways for LA Fashion Week and New York Fashion Week. In May 2015, Jaime Elyse Couture heads to Cannes, France for the Cannes Fashion Festival..
Jaime Elyse’s designs can be seen in Women’s Wear Daily, San Diego Style Weddings Magazine, Grace Ormonde Magazine, We&You Fashion Magazine, Inland Empire Magazine, Style Unveiled, Eliza Magazine and Fine Homes and Living.
Jaime Elyse started sewing at age eight and quickly discovered a love for creating and designing. With her mother and her high school sewing instructor as mentors, Jaime Elyse focused her passion on the world of fashion design. She studied fashion in the San Francisco Bay Area, and in 1995 launched a referral-based business specializing in custom bridal wear. She also started a casual line called Molly’s Clothing, with an emphasis on fresh, fun casual wear for women and girls.
Since relocating to the Los Angeles Area in 2003, Jaime Elyse Couture has expanded to include custom couture, exclusive off-the-rack designs, formal wear and more.
Jaime Elyse lives in Southern California with her husband and, two daughters.
The Zippers got their start early on as favorites on the national TV show Star Search. After winning multiple shows they went on to become finalists in that national competition, gaining the attention of many fans and industry professionals. Using this valuable publicity as a springboard, the band has since propelled itself to the top of the corporate entertainment ladder, becoming one of the most sought after acts in the country.
Virgil Gibson is a national treasure and living legend. By age 19, Virgil was performing as lead singer of the high-octane California based Rivingtons, well known for their hit song, “Pappa Oo Mow Mow”. Virgil performed during the 1960’s and 1970’s as Lead Singer of Paul Robi’s Platters, sharing the stage with the Drifters, the Coasters, the O'Jays, Bobby Day, Dee Clark and Al Wilson.
Includes:
- 10 VIP tickets for Gala
- Premium floor seating
- 4 Course Dinner, 4 bottles of table wine
- 1,000 square ft Grand Suite for Saturday the 7th
- $400 value gift basket in suite
- Ability to place product in upscale swag bag
- Logo on large front screen inside venue
- Hyper-linked Logo on Gala website page
- Full page color ad in program ($1,000 value)
- Logo included on Gala backdrop
Includes:
- 8 VIP tickets for Gala
- Premium floor seating
- 4 course dinner, 3 bottles of table wine
- 800 square ft Luxury Suite for Saturday the 7th
- $300 value gift basket in suite
- Ability to place product in upscale swag bag
- Rotating Logo on medium front screens of venue
- Hyper-linked Logo on Gala website page
- Half page color ad in program ($500 value)
Includes:
- 5 VIP tickets for Gala
- Premium floor seating
- 4 course dinner, 2 bottles of table wine
- 500 square ft Deluxe Room
- $200 value gift basket in Suite
- Ability to place product in upscale swag bag
- Rotating Logo on small screens throughout Venue
- Hyper-linked Logo on Gala website page
- Quarter page color ad in program ($250 value)
Jaime Elyse is the pinnacle of fashion wedding gowns in Southern California. For Jaime Elyse Stephens, fashion sense came early in life. She started sewing at the age of eight. She found a love for creating and designing and quickly developed a vision of formal wear and a passion for the fashion industry. Jaime Elyse was able to find her true talent in fashion design. She had two accomplished mentors, her mother and her sewing instructor. Both women shared her passion and encouraged her education. She took all the courses available to her and started designing and constructing for clients while she was a junior in high school. Jaime Elyse quickly decided what her future held and pressed forward to follow her dreams. She traveled back to the West Coast where she began working within the management team at a Jessica McClintock boutique. She studied fashion in the San Francisco Bay Area where she began building her referral-based business. Jaime married Jonathan in 1995, and her own Custom Wedding Gown was the launch of her brand.
Michelle’s early event management experience began as an undergrad at San Diego State University. Through leadership and event planning roles as a sorority member and alumni advisor at the university, organizing events for congressional and presidential candidates with the top political fundraising company in Southern California, to the Government Relations department with the San Diego Padres during the campaign for the construction of Petco Park and work for a well-respected San Diego public relations firm, Michelle’s event management experience is extensive.
After her own wedding in 2003, Michelle Garibay Events launched in 2006 during a 5 year residency on Oahu. After her return to her native Southern California in 2011, Michelle Garibay Events planted roots in Temecula and provides wedding planning and coordination in Temecula, Palm Springs and specializes in destination weddings in Hawaii.
Her company is a member of the Temecula Valley Wedding Professionals organization and was selected as a destination wedding consultant for Style Me Pretty‘s Little Black Book, Grace Ormonde’s Platinum List and most recently has been invited to the Maharani Weddings Platinum Guide. She has written articles for international and regional wedding blogs and magazines and her work has been featured in San Diego Style Weddings magazine, Style Unveiled, Style Me Pretty, Wedding Chicks, Southern California Bride, and Modern Weddings Hawaii, and many more.
Hi! I am Debra Breslin President of the Tiffany Amber Breslin Memorial Foundation known as Tiffany's Gift. This is a foundation in the memory of our 14 year old daughter Tiffany who was killed by a drinking boater in 2008. We bring awareness to our community and beyond about the dangers of drinking and driving, and texting and driving. My family, daughter Lauren Breslin and husband Mike Breslin speak at Schools and Organizations in California.
Tiffany was an Organ Donor, she saved 3 lives with her gift so we are also Ambassadors with Onelegacy Foundation Donate Life. I am also a speaker with Thinkfirst and a member of Murrieta Chamber. Our foundation raises money for scholarships and other foundations that we can help that are close to our hearts.
I am so proud to be a member of this team of people to bring such a fantastic event to life to raise money for research to help people like Jim Zetz find a cure someday soon. I have known Jim and Grace Zetz for over 15 years, we lived on the same street and our children grew up together. Tiffany and I gave Josie her first bath and Jim did concrete work for the memorial we built on our street, he was an amazing man with so much compassion for others. It broke my heart to watch Grace watch her beloved Jim die before her eyes.
Pancreatic Cancer is not a pretty death and there is not enough funds allocated to it for proper research. So my job is to help make this event as successful as possible.
Collin Rand: Managing Partner, The Cuvee Club - Collin comes from a wide variety of restaurant, Food & Beverage, hospitality, and overall guest/client/customer service experience. Collin has been able to be a part of numerous new restaurant openings for such concepts as Applebee's, Sam & Harry's Steakhouse, Tijuana Flats Burrito Co., Mattie's Diner, and more. Additional service industry credits include: Marriott International, The Ballantyne (A Starwood Luxury Collection Property), Islands, Red Robin, Texas Roadhouse, and The Red Lion. Collin has also provided consulting to several notable restaurant chains and hospitality groups, (Chili's, MaggiAnno's, Marco's Pizza, Denihan Hospitality, and Hilton Hotels). Currently, Collin is the Managing Partner to one of Temecula's most anticipated new restaurants/entertainment venues, The Cuvee Club. The Cuvee Club revives the cabaret aura and super club sophistication, with a unique mix of contemporary American cusine. The Cuvee Club is an exceptional cabaret venue, which combines fine dining, boutique beverages, music, and world class performers to create a unique and unrivaled night out in Temecula.
In Jan. of 2007, Collin's father, Dr. Jonathan G Rand was taken too soon due to pancreatic cancer. Collin's hope is that he can use his loss for others to gain! He has donated time, money, and talents to several worthy organizations, including American Cancer Society's Relay For Life, Healing ODDESSY, and Charlotte, NC local event "24 Hours of Booty". Collin is thrilled to be working with the Zetz Foundation and looks forward to helping ensure this worthy foundation is successful.
I am the executive assistant of the San Diego Chargers, and I didn’t know anything about Pancreatic Cancer until the day the doctor informed us that my husband Mark was in stage 4 of pancreatic cancer. We had very little options at that point. He was only 42. Mark was sick for 8 months. Now that I am more familiar with the disease, I have become actively involved with raising money, finding a cure and helping to raise awareness so that more research can be funded. We know so little about why people get pancreatic. My life has changed forever because of this silent killer cancer. We must find early detection and better treatment. We need more people to get involved and fight this terrible disease. We must give people hope when they are diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.
As featured in Glamour Magazine, ESPN, and on Investigation Discovery – Kristen Paruginog is an internationally known domestic violence survivor, speaker, social media guru, and advocate for victims and survivors of abuse. Upon embarking on a personal journey of healing and growth, Kristen courageously shared her story of survival on social media in hopes to inspire other victims living in silence to break free. Social media created a global platform for millions to openly share their stories to continue the positive ripple effect of breaking the silence. Kristen has received a multitude of award recognitions from local and national news outlets, service organizations such as the American Red Cross, and philanthropists for her groundbreaking efforts to combat abuse. Her passion to educate communities on the dangers of domestic violence, warning signs, and the importance of breaking your silence are key components to inspiring social change. Learn more about Kristen and Break the Silence against Domestic Violence at www.breakthesilencedv.org.
In 2014, Terry Josiah started the business Music.Life.Change, after receiving a Multi-Disciplinary Bachelors of Arts in both Music History and Creative Writing from the University of Texas at El Paso. With his desire to make a change in the world through music, Terry Josiah looks for his company's products to help people going through hard times like domestic violence, through; songs for a cause, healthy lifestyles, and bringing awareness to various causes. He is proud that his company has the ability to help people get out of domestic violence relationships, as well as help those in said relationships get into healthy ones. He knows that success comes from his inability to give up and his belief that the mission is greater than anyone. With that success, he looks to bring the business from a national level to a more international level and become part of a leader in creating conversations and raising awareness on various causes. When he is not changing lives, Terry Josiah enjoys spending his time writing music, reading, watching his favorite football team; the San Diego Chargers and preparing his children for their future in this world. He also donates his time to organizations, such as Kappa Alpha Psi and Break the Silence Against Domestic Violence. Terry Josiah has spoken to students around the country in different high schools and Universities to educate them on domestic violence and the importance of a healthy relationship. He is a member of the American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers and has been published in the poetry publication, Chrysalis, with his poem titled "In Her Eyes". The music he writes has been displayed through distributors like: iTunes, Spotify, Tidal, and Apple Music.