2025 Honoree: Roslee Jaars-Meyer

Kristina Kelkenberg, the Community Relationship Manager for Indiana and Ohio at the Pancreatic Care Action Network (PanCAN), loves her new job.  She joined the organization right before PurpleStride Columbus, an annual walk for pancreatic cancer research, support, and advocacy.  It is the Network’s biggest fundraising event of the year.  “I was blown away by the dedication of the volunteers,” Kelkenberg remembered.  “These are folks who’ve been impacted by grief, yet they’re channeling it into action.  Even if they can’t control the outcome of this disease, they determine how they show up for one another.  To see this community coming together gave me hope.”

When the Mary Diaz Pancreatic Cancer Fund sought an honoree for its nineteenth annual tennis tournament, they asked the local PanCAN chapter for a recommendation. The Ohio State’s Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and PanCAN are beneficiaries of more than $1.2 million that players and tournament sponsors have raised since 2010.  Together, Kristina and Melissa Smith, the Chair of PurpleStride Columbus, identified a wonderful colleague and leader: Roslee Jaars-Meyer.  

“Roslee is an inspiration. She is a survivor of the very disease that took her father's life and is battling not only for herself, but for all those impacted,” noted Smith. “Her courage honors his memory and her compassion lights the way for others. She has turned her strength into service by volunteering as our affiliate’s Mission Chair.”

Born in Capetown, South Africa, Roslee moved to Columbus with her brother, Grant, and parents, Abraham and Delecia, in 1986 to escape Apartheid, a system of institutionalized segregation that tyrannized Black, Brown, and Indian communities from 1948 until the early 1990’s.  The trauma and dislocation her family experienced strengthened both their faith and connections to one another.  It also led Roslee to a career in helping professions. “Growing up, my mother and father emphasized treating others as we would want to be treated. My role as a social worker and registered nurse are not only to provide the best care, but to improve and positively impact the lives of my patients. As a nursing instructor, I hope my knowledge and experience can help foster the next generation of nurses,” she reflected. “Now, I also use my personal experience as a patient in my work.” 

Roslee was diagnosed with stage 2B Pancreatic Cancer on June 11, 2024.  Following surgery and months of difficult chemotherapy, she is in remission.  “My surgical oncologist at OhioHealth, Dr. Patrick Salibi, was a resident when I first met him and I’ve cared for his patients. His bedside manner is both assertive and comforting. Not many are blessed to have that kind of connection with the medical professionals who treat them.”  Jaars-Meyer also credits her family with providing attentive support.  “Mom is 81 years old but can outwork anyone.  She has sat up with me through nights of chemo leg cramps and vomiting.  My brother changed his schedule to third shift so he would be available if I needed anything during the day.  My husband, Matthew, filled the gaps and took care of everything at home.  He’s very loving and caring.”

After battling months of exhaustion and brain fog, Jaars-Meyer returned to full-time work in January.  This summer, she is cherishing time to read and garden.  Roslee also enjoys hanging out with her 3 cats Leo, Lenny and Logan.  “Yes, I am technically allergic, but it’s so worth it,” she laughed.  Volunteering for PanCAN is deeply meaningful because she can help others feel less alone. “I want my personal and professional experiences to reflect God’s grace and mercy.  And to be a testament to a person’s resilience.  I’m going to keep facing this challenge with a fighting spirit.”

By any measure, Roslee is succeeding.