Pria Foundation Mission
We support innovative pancreatic cancer research leading to early discovery, cure, and expanded access to care.
$6.5M
In funding for pancreatic cancer research
30
Grants supporting innovative researchers
About Us
Pria Foundation was established by Ben and Rose Cole in 2012. In Ben's journal, he wrote that the word "pria" or "priya" came from Sanskrit and meant "beloved". Ben and Rose vowed to make both the experience and the outcomes for pancreatic cancer better for future patients and their loved ones. Since that time, Pria Foundation has distributed grants to pancreatic cancer researchers across the United States who represent innovation in the field.
We are actively establishing our governance structure and process for future grant making. While no new grants are anticipated in 2026, we intend to seek proposals in 2027 and will post updates to our website accordingly. Thank you for your interest in Pria Foundation and for your commitment to pancreatic cancer research, cure, and care.
Trustees
Barry Brown, AB, EdM, JD
Barry has been a professor of law, academic author, and university executive for over fifty years. He has served as Interim President of Suffolk University and President of Mount Ida College, and is Emeritus Professor of Law at Suffolk University.
Rick Lyon, MBA, CPA, JD
Rick has worked in various industries starting in public accounting with one of the then Big Eight. He held a senior position in the Fidelity Investments Legal Department for eight years. Most recently he was a partner and tax group head at Howland Capital Management for thirteen years.
Jennifer F Tseng, MD, MPH
Jennifer has been the scientific advisor to Pria Foundation for the last decade. In 2025, she had the privilege of succeeding founder Rose Cole as a full trustee. Jennifer is a pancreatic surgeon, a cancer researcher, and an advocate for patients and families dealing with cancer diagnoses.
