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Lycoming College sociology major Alexis Robinson ’26 from Aston, Pa., was recently honored by the National Pancreas Foundation with the Hero of Hope award at the Courage for a Cure Gala in Pittsburgh. Robinson, who was diagnosed with chronic pancreatitis in 2018, was awarded the distinction for her exceptional courage and advocacy in the fight against pancreatic disease.
It's been a difficult road since she was diagnosed at the age of 15, but one that Robinson has taken in stride. A story published by the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia details the time she spent time in and out of hospitals with severe and recurring symptoms, unable to maintain a healthy weight and in constant pain. She struggled to attend school and to participate in her beloved dancing activities. During testing conducted over the course of several months, Robinson’s medical team was able to stabilize and treat her condition through a combination of medication, diet, and lifestyle changes.
Discovering meaning in a life-threatening disease
As high school came to a close, Robinson began thinking about attending college and the additional challenges it would bring. For her first year of college, she travelled only one hour from home but decided to complete her education a little further away when she enrolled at Lycoming College as a transfer student. “I wanted to be challenged more and felt that Lycoming was a better fit,” she explained, adding that her credits transferred well, helping to make the transition a smooth one.
“My diagnosis, sociology studies, internship, and Hero of Hope award all tie together. The award is representative of all of my college work and setting up my life for success."
Robinson’s diagnosis is what initially sparked her interest in the field of sociology. “I felt isolated and wanted to go into research and advocacy, and sociology allows me to do that… Dr. [Betty] McCall has been the biggest influence in my academic career. I took her sociological theory course, and she saw my potential and pushed me to learn and do more.”
After sharing her story with the National Pancreas Foundation (NPF), Robinson was invited to complete an internship with the organization. As an intern, she provided an update to her story, as well as assisted with medical webinars for physicians and PancreasFest, where researchers and doctors come together. She also wrote other patient stories. “It’s easy for patients to relate to me because of my own diagnosis.” Additionally, Robinson assisted with the NPF Center of Excellence, fundraising events, and social media.
“My NPF internship changed my career goals. It opened the door for me to get involved in nonprofit work, and that is something that I want to stick with. I think this is how I can make a difference,” she said. “In March the foundation will send me and other advocates to speak with elected officials about increasing resources for research on pancreatic disease.”
Wrapping up her college career
Back at Lycoming for her senior year, Robinson recently completed her Capstone research project on how patients describe their pain. “It’s a big topic in the chronic illness community.” Upon graduation in January 2026, Robinson will undergo major surgery for her condition and will then start a career with The National Pancreas Foundation as their new program assistant. Robinson is also considering graduate studies sometime in the future. She continues to run a support group for others with pancreatic disease, adding, “It’s my whole life!”
“My diagnosis, sociology studies, internship, and Hero of Hope award all tie together. The award is representative of all of my college work and setting up my life for success. It is very hard to do. I’m open about it — I tell my faculty and am very transparent about my diagnosis,” she said. “My friends look out for me, and the faculty and staff at Lycoming are very accommodating, especially Dr. [Shyla] Boyd in academic affairs,” she said.
“My advice to patients going into college: Don’t let anything hold you back! There are always resources to help you. Realize that it’s OK to not be OK. There is always someone who relates and can guide you through.”