Discovering What’s ‘Possible’
December 22, 2020
MISSION: POSSIBLE presented OPERATION OUTREACH, an online event that featured mental
health education, live music, fitness classes and more.
After enduring a grueling regimen of treatment for lymphoma in 2017, United States
Navy Commander Jason Duff, PsyD ’08, wanted to make sure others going through a similar
experience had the support and resources they needed to fight the disease. From that
experience grew MISSION: POSSIBLE, an annual music event created to “empower, support,
educate, and rock n’ roll.”
MISSION: POSSIBLE’s goal is to raise awareness about cancer support, prevention and
treatment while raising funds to support the Cancer Support Community Greater Philadelphia
(CSCGP). This year, MISSION: POSSIBLE presented OPERATION OUTREACH, a mental health
focused event with music, education, fitness instruction, mental health resources
and more.
Elizabeth Gosch, PhD, ABPP, who participated in the OPERATION OUTREACH event during a conversation with Dr.
Duff on helping children thrive during the pandemic, shared, “I am always looking
for ways to provide support and mental health care information to families. The pandemic
has made it hard on all families, but for those with a family member who is immunocompromised
or has had issues with cancer, it is particularly difficult.”
OPERATION OUTREACH grew out of MISSION: POSSIBLE’s efforts to educate and entertain
while raising funds and awareness for cancer research and support. With the global
pandemic impacting communities around the world – including cancer patients and their
unique needs – OPERATION OUTREACH was specifically intended to address the effects
of the pandemic, especially during the 2020 holiday season.
Born and raised in Northeast Philadelphia, Dr. Duff has since 2007 served as a clinical
psychologist in the U.S. Navy. He and his family are currently based in the San Diego,
CA area, but still support the Philadelphia region through MISSION: POSSIBLE.
“The family nature of the [PCOM] PsyD program means we stay in touch with graduates and do what we can to support their work,”
said Dr. Gosch. “Jason is a cancer survivor and he's channeled his impressive energy
into cancer awareness and fundraising through MISSION: POSSIBLE.”
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About Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine
Founded in 1899, Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM) has trained thousands
of highly competent, caring physicians, health practitioners and behavioral scientists
who practice a “whole person” approach to care—treating people, not just symptoms.
PCOM operates three campuses (PCOM, PCOM Georgia and PCOM South Georgia) and offers doctoral degrees in clinical psychology, educational psychology, osteopathic
medicine, pharmacy, physical therapy and school psychology, and graduate degrees in
applied behavior analysis, applied positive psychology, biomedical sciences, forensic
medicine, medical laboratory science, mental health counseling, non profit leadership
and population health management, organizational development and leadership, physician
assistant studies, school psychology, and public health management and administration.
PCOM students learn the importance of health promotion, research, education and service
to the community. Through its community-based Healthcare Centers, PCOM provides care
to medically underserved populations. For more information, visit pcom.edu or call 215-871-6100.
For more information, contact:
Daniel McCunney
Associate Director, News and Media Relations
Email: danielmc1@pcom.edu
Office: 215-871-6304 | Cell:
267-449-1360