Through Mitti Hicks
November 29, 2025
The estate announced that the fund will honor the late artist, who died on October 14 after a private battle with pancreatic cancer.
D’Angelo’s estate has announced it is launching the D’Angelo Pancreatic Cancer Fund. His estate announced that the fund will honor D’Angelo, who died Oct. 14 after a private battle with pancreatic cancer. He was 51.
The fund will collaborate with the Black Boy Joy Foundation to advance research, raise awareness and support families affected by “one of the deadliest forms of cancer.”
“A visionary artist, cultural pioneer and devoted father, D’Angelo’s influence transcended music and defined a generation. Today, with the Black Boy Joy Foundation x Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, we formally launched this initiative to honor his life and a courageous fight against pancreatic cancer,” the estate said People in a statement.
Why pancreatic cancer impacts black communities more
Musician and philanthropist Jean-Claude Kalí founded the Black Boy Joy Foundation in 2020. The foundation is committed to redefining the narrative of mental health within the Black community. Its mission is to “light the path to joy and resilience for Black boys and men” through comprehensive, barrier-free mental health services and innovative masterclasses offered worldwide.
Pancreatic cancer disproportionately affects Black communities. According to research from Johns Hopkins University, Pancreatic cancer is more common in black Americans than in any other racial group. Black Americans are also more likely to be diagnosed with advanced and therefore inoperable cancer.
As researchers at Johns Hopkins University note, studies suggest that environmental and socioeconomic factors may play an important role in why pancreatic cancer is more common in black American communities. Cigarette smoking, which causes about 25% of pancreatic cancers, is more common among African Americans. Other risk factors for pancreatic cancer that are more common in African Americans include diabetes mellitus, pancreatitis, and obesity.
“Pancreatic cancer remains one of the most formidable and deadly malignant diseases worldwide, with a survival rate of just 13 percent. Its insidious onset and frequent late-stage diagnosis make it particularly devastating. Black men and boys bear a disproportionate burden and experience the highest incidence and mortality rates,” Kalí said in a statement.
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