Kranky Panky: Pancreatitis Awareness Month

What is the pancreas?

The pancreas is a gland that produces the digestive enzymes that are crucial for turning food and liquid into the building blocks our body needs to function effectively. It also produces hormones, including insulin, which regulate the body’s total energy resources and blood sugar levels.

What is pancreatitis?

The main types of pancreatitis are acute pancreatitis and chronic pancreatitis.

Acute pancreatitis occurs when the pancreas is damaged, resulting in the release of the digestive enzymes into the pancreas.It occurs in 34 per 100,000 people every year.

Chronic pancreatitis is a long-standing inflammation of the pancreas. Although the condition is rare, between 6,000 and 12,000 people in the UK are given a new diagnosis every year.

The NHS considers pancreatitis to be one of the 20 most painful conditions you can suffer from.

What is Kranky Panky?

Kranky Panky is a powerful and heartfelt awareness campaign that is etched with permanent marker into the calendar at Guts UK. Throughout the month of November, we share real-life stories of those impacted by the condition. Together, we reach hundreds of thousands of people, to do more for pancreatitis, in line with our three charitable objectives:

• To provide evidence-based information on both acute pancreatitis and chronic pancreatitis.
• To raise vital awareness of this often devastating condition.
• To fund crucial research into this underfunded, condition.

How did the Kranky Panky campaign begin?

Back in 2016, the pancreatitis community came knocking on our door. The community was underrepresented and there was little information about the condition.

We knew we needed to raise vital awareness of the condition and provide evidence-based information that was easy to understand and accessible to all who needed it. People affected by pancreatitis had a huge, unmet need. We knew we had to do something about it.

In 2018, we got together with two pancreatitis patients, Kirsty and Amy, and the Kranky Panky Pancreatitis Awareness Campaign was born! The name itself was given by the community, who used the term to describe their disgruntled guts.

Since then, the campaign has given voice to more than 200 people living with or affected by the condition. People who have boldly shared their stories and experiences with us.

We regularly update our expert information on acute pancreatitis and chronic pancreatitis. We pride ourselves on ensuring that people with symptoms, or diagnoses or who want to learn more can find the information that they need.

Raising awareness – your voice matters!

There are often many presumptions and misunderstandings when it comes to pancreatitis. Some people haven’t heard of the pancreas or know of the vital role it plays in our health. Guts UK exists to change this. To raise vital awareness and educate people about this horrible condition.

We asked some of our Kranky Panky story sharers why the awareness campaign is so important…

“Pancreatitis is so rare in children but can have life-threatening complications. That’s why we need research into diagnosis and treatment options for this awful condition.”

— Nicola, Jude’s mum.

“I want to give people the strength to live life. There is hope, you can’t lose hope and there are people you can talk to.”

— Katen.

“Talking to the team at Guts UK has been amazing, knowing I’m not the only one. But I feel this responsibility to raise awareness of pancreatitis to try and save lives, which is why I’m telling you my story.”

— Sammy.

“My dad, Martin, was the stronger man I’ve ever known. Nothing can prepare you for this. I think about him every day and wish there was some way to bring him back. The only real actionable thing I can now do is try to raise awareness and help find a much-needed cure.”

— Katie and Martin.

“I set up a monthly donation to Guts UK to show my support. In my eyes, Guts UK has the greatest of tasks in front of them. They will need far greater resources than most charities, but they are also so community-centric and close to their people. I want to help them some way towards getting to grips with guts.”

— Robert.

How can I help raise crucial awareness for pancreatitis?

• You can help reach those suffering in silence and alone. Please consider donating £3 a month to Guts UK. Thank you.
• You can help by following us on social media and using the #KrankyPanky hashtag. Please share our awareness and information posts throughout the awareness month, and any day throughout the year. Any day is a good day to raise awareness! Scroll to the bottom of this article to find our social media links and spread the word. You never know who we might reach and help together.
• Share your own experience, or that of a loved one with pancreatitis, amongst your own circles and on your own social media accounts. If you’d be interested in the possibility of sharing your story, please fill in and submit our story-sharing form. You can also share your story on social media – tag us and use the hashtag #KrankyPanky so we have the best chance of seeing it (if your profile is public).
• Fundraise for Guts UK Charity to help us abolish the taboos surrounding digestive health, and get to grips with guts. Whether it’s a sponsored silence, bake sale or a sponsored hike, you can fund life-changing research, and empower people to seek help sooner.