Lisa Niemi Swayze

Lisa Niemi Swayze has spent decades in the film industry, both in front of and behind the cameras. She has written, directed and produced several films and plays, and as an actress, Lisa has held many film, television, and Broadway roles.

But it is perhaps her current role as an activist on behalf of pancreatic cancer where she is having the most impact.

Married for 34 years to celebrated actor Patrick Swayze, Lisa was truly his partner in all sense of the word. They collaborated on numerous projects, including the play Without a Word, which won six Drama Critics Awards including Best Play, Writing, Direction, and Performance.

She also co-authored Patrick's 2009 memoir, the New York Times bestselling book The Time of My Life. A behind-the-scenes look at their success in Hollywood and their remarkable love story, it was as inspirational as it was entertaining.

During Patrick's 20-month battle with pancreatic cancer, Lisa was at his side. From administering his complicated medications to piloting the plane that flew him to his medical treatments, Lisa was in the fight all the way.

She now works tirelessly to raise awareness and research funding for this terribly neglected and deadly disease. She serves as the National Spokesperson for the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, and in 2011 she was honored with the title of Dame, and invested in the Royal Order of Francis I.

She also was a 2011 AARP Inspire Awards Honoree, which "salutes outstanding individuals who are using their energy, creativity, and passion to make the world a better place."

She is also the author of Worth Fighting For, which chronicles her last months with Patrick. An emotionally honest and unflinching depiction of battling illness and loss, it is also an incredible, life-affirming exploration of the power of the human spirit.