About Doris

Pancreatic cancer is often called the "silent killer" because symptoms rarely appear until the disease has already advanced. The statistics were frightening. The prognosis was uncertain. Doris was scared, but she refused to give up.

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Determined to fight, Doris began researching every treatment option available. Her search led her to the University of Alabama at Birmingham and renowned pancreatic surgeon Dr. Sushanth Reddy. On October 31, 2014, Halloween Day, Doris underwent a complex Whipple procedure, one of the most difficult surgeries performed for pancreatic cancer patients. The surgery saved her life.

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The road that followed was anything but easy. Doris endured complications, chemotherapy, hospitalizations, and months of recovery. Through it all, she demonstrated extraordinary courage, determination, and faith. She fought for every step forward and never lost hope. Eventually, the treatments worked. The scans became clear. The survivor became a warrior.

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Today, Doris is a 12 year survivor of stage 3 pancreatic cancer and continues to live an active and inspiring life that defies the odds she was once given. Her journey has become a source of hope for countless others facing similar battles.

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But Doris’s journey did not end with survival.

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After surviving pancreatic cancer, Doris and 3 of her best friends, Cindi Bubolo, Pat Rea, Leslie Newmans, and Kathy Benner became increasingly aware of how many families were facing the same frightening diagnosis. They knew firsthand the emotional, physical, and financial challenges that accompany pancreatic cancer. Together, they understood how desperately more research, awareness, patient support, and early detection efforts were needed.

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Wanting to celebrate Doris’s survival and bring hope to others, the group embraced a playful Halloween witch theme inspired by the timing of Doris’s lifesaving Whipple procedure on October 31, 2014. What started as a small gathering of women dressed as witches riding decorated bicycles through Historic St. Andrews quickly captured the attention and imagination of the community.

In 2017, Doris cofounded the non profit Witches of St. Andrews.

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What began as a tribute to one survivor soon grew into a mission much larger than anyone imagined. The organization’s first ride was modest, but the purpose was powerful: to support pancreatic cancer patients and families, raise awareness, and fund research dedicated to finding earlier detection methods and ultimately a cure.

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Year after year, the event grew. More witches joined. More bicycles rolled through the streets of St. Andrews. More lives were touched. The community rallied behind the cause because the mission had a face, a name, and a purpose.

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That purpose was inspired by Doris Bowdoin’s courage, resilience, and determination to turn one woman’s battle into hope for others.

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Today, Witches of St. Andrews has become much more than a charity ride. It is a community of hope. The organization provides financial assistance to local pancreatic cancer patients and their families, supports research efforts dedicated to early detection and finding a cure, and reminds those facing the disease that they are not alone.

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In a meaningful full circle moment, Dr. Sushanth Reddy, the surgeon who helped save Doris’s life, served as the Grand Marshal for the 2024 Witches of St. Andrews Ride for the Cure.

Every witch hat, every decorated bicycle, every sponsorship, every donation, and every mile traveled carries forward Doris’s legacy, a legacy built on courage, compassion, hope, and the belief that together we can make a difference in the fight against pancreatic cancer.

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This is our story. It began with one woman’s fight to survive. It continues through every person who joins us in the fight to end pancreatic cancer.​