After Patrick Swayze died of pancreatic cancer in 2009, his wife Lisa Niemi Swayze vowed to raise awareness about the disease. Swayze was diagnosed in 2007 after showing yellow eyes and digestive problems, and he fought the illness for 20 months, continuing to work and cherish every moment.
Lisa stayed by his side until his final words, exchanging “I love you,” and has since advocated for pancreatic cancer research, working with the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network and lobbying for funding. She also shared a personal photo of Patrick in his final days in her memoir Worth Fighting For, highlighting the vulnerability and reality of their journey.