John Thomas (Jack) Kavanagh, co-founder of the Arizona Myeloma Network (AzMN), passed away on Saturday, May 25, 2024 at the age of 87. Diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma in 1991, Jack had a successful business career prior to retiring to Arizona in 2003 and creating AzMN with his wife Barbara in 2004.
Watch the video to hear about Jack Kavanagh’s journey in his own words.
Jack’s 33 year cancer journey was inspirational to patients around the country and here at home. He and Barbara are well know to the Arizona life science community, working with leading organizations including AZBio, Mayo Clinic, TGen, and others.
Arizona Myeloma Network is a nonprofit organization that conducts cancer outreach events and education programs. Our mission is to promote collaboration, awareness, education and advocacy for improved treatment outcomes and quality of life for multiple myeloma patients, their families and all cancer caregivers with special consideration for the
underserved.
In addition to co-founding AzMN, Jack and Barbara created Cancer Caregivers of America.
Cancer Caregivers of America is an AzMN program which was created in 2014 to provide the educational ‘tools’ and resources that build critical cancer caregiving skills, in the cancer patient, the cancer caregiver and family, as well as the cancer care professional. The Cancer Caregivers Education Program also promotes collaboration and understanding with the Scientific and Medical Community.
In 2023, the Online Cancer Caregivers Education Platform launched. A web-based education platform designed by Cancer Caregivers and Patients, the Online Cancer Caregivers Education Platform includes:
- Training and Education modules that are engaging and interactive that will increase caregiving knowledge and skills.
- A comprehensive Resource Library dedicated to cancer care resources.
- The Cancer Care Community, a national network of cancer caregivers and patients with similar journeys where users can find information, thoughts and ideas, questions, discussions, and positive support.
“Jack was the most loving, kind, intelligent, inspiring and courageous person I have ever known,” shared his wife Barbara Kavanagh.
“Jack Kavanagh will be remembered for his winning smile, his dedication to the cancer community, and for the example he provided to so many,” shared Joan Koerber-Walker, president & CEO of AZBio.
A Celebration of Life will be held on July 21, 2024 from 3-4pm at the Chapel of the Chimes Mortuary, 7924 N 59th Ave., Glendale, AZ 85301. A reception will follow from 4-6 pm.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Arizona Myeloma Network in his honor at https://azmyelomanetwork.org.
Source: https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/glendale-az/jack-john-kavanagh-11836820