Meet Jim.

At 52 years old, Jim Moran’s life changed in an instant. What began as a trip to the emergency room for jaundice and nausea quickly turned into something far more serious. After days of waiting for testing and answers, a CT scan revealed the news no family is ever prepared to hear — Jim was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.

Jim’s son, Sean, remembers the moment clearly. The phone call. The urgency in his father’s voice. The weight of walking into that hospital room knowing everything was about to change.

Within days of his diagnosis, the team at Penn Medicine acted quickly, scheduling a Whipple procedure — a highly complex surgery that requires significant recovery time. The months that followed were physically demanding and emotionally draining, but Jim faced them head-on. After recovering from surgery, he began a six-month chemotherapy regimen and continues to fight with strength and determination.

For Jim, the battle is not just about himself. Just weeks before his diagnosis, Sean and his fiancé found out they were expecting their first baby girl. The joy of becoming a grandfather was quickly overshadowed by uncertainty. One of the hardest realities for their family has been the thought of Jim not being there to watch his granddaughter grow up — to spoil her, to hold her, to tell her stories, and to give his famous post-game sports recaps.

Sports have always been at the center of Jim’s life. A devoted Philly sports fan, he rarely misses an Eagles, Phillies, or Flyers game. Talking sports with his son is one of their greatest bonds — hours of analysis, debate, and laughter that bring a sense of normalcy even in the midst of chemotherapy and appointments.

Faith has been a constant source of strength for Jim and his family. Church, prayer, and Christian music have helped steady them through the unknown. Family and friends have surrounded Jim with unwavering support, reminding him that he is not fighting alone.

When Sean shared his father’s story, Fightstrong Foundation stepped in immediately. Through our partnership with Victory Foundation, we were able to donate 25 tickets so Sean’s Victory teammates could stand alongside the Moran family at Jim’s beneficiary fundraiser. We also donated gift cards to Giant Supermarket and Costco to help ease everyday expenses during treatment, along with a raffle item to further support fundraising efforts at the event.

The fundraiser was more than a financial lift — it was a powerful display of community. A room full of people locking arms around Jim and his family, reminding them that love is stronger than fear.

Sean shared this about his dad:

“As long as there’s love, there’s hope. My dad is going to beat this. Seeing everyone show up for him reminded us that we’re not alone in this fight.”

Jim knows the road ahead is not easy. But he also knows he is surrounded by faith, family, and a community that believes in him. And that belief fuels his fight every single day.