Whipple Warriors

“No one
will ever have
to go
through a
Whipple
alone ever
again”

— RONDA AYALA, R.N.

YOU ARE NOT ALONE

Welcome to Whipple Warriors — the world’s largest community for Whipple patients and survivors. Whether you’re preparing for surgery, recovering, or living life beyond, you are not alone. Here you’ll find support, shared experiences, and the latest updates on post-Whipple care. We are proud to partner with NCAN in raising awareness and helping patients live long, empowered lives.

You are a Warrior — and we’re here for you, every step of the way.

Built on the concept of patients helping patients.

Whipple Warriors is dedicated to educating, advocating for, and supporting Whipple patients worldwide — before, during, and after surgery. Together with NCAN, we empower patients to navigate their journey with strength, knowledge, and hope.

WHIPPLE WARRIORS STORY

In January 2010, Ronda Ayala, R.N., underwent a Whipple procedure for a pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor (NET). Recovery was far tougher than expected, and Ronda quickly realized there was no dedicated support for post-Whipple patients. Guided by faith, she launched the Whipple Surgery Survivor Group on Facebook in May 2010, which has since become the world’s largest community for Whipple patients.

Recognizing the incredible strength of these survivors, Ronda named them Whipple Warriors. With Michelle Toth and Jasmin Bayer, she co-founded the Whipple Warriors Nonprofit to educate, advocate, and support patients before, during, and after surgery.

We are proud to partner with the Neuroendocrine Cancer Awareness Network (NCAN), whose life-saving education helped Ronda navigate her diagnosis and become her own advocate. Four and a half years later, when her cancer returned in the liver, she was ready. Today, Ronda serves on NCAN’s Board of Directors, working to raise awareness of NETs. With proper education, NETs can be managed for many years.

Thanks to NCAN’s sponsorship, WhippleWarriors.com now keeps patients informed and empowered, offering the latest medical updates and a supportive community, while working alongside researchers to study long-term outcomes.

We are deeply grateful to Maryann and Bob Wahmann of NCAN for their incredible dedication to the NET community!

SHE SAVED MY LIFE

Video by Ms. Becca Roth.

JOIN WHIPPLE WARRIORS

Connect with thousands of Whipple Warriors worldwide. Whether you’re preparing for surgery or living life after, we’re here for you. Join our community and discover the strength of Warriors standing together.