Thirteen years ago when my mom was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, it was the 4th leading cause of all cancer deaths in the US. Today, pancreatic cancer is now the 3rd leading cause of all cancer deaths, and it is the only cancer for which the mortality rate has remained nearly unchanged in the past 50 years. It is projected to surpass colorectal cancer as the second leading cause of all cancer deaths by 2030. Less than 10% of those diagnosed currently survive beyond five years. There are still zero early detection methods so the prognosis is nearly always very poor. For the 80% diagnosed at stage IV, the 5-yr survival rate continues to hover at 1%. Even for those who receive early detection, only 10% become cancer-free after treatment. Sadly, the incidence of this disease also continues to proliferate.
For these reasons I support Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, which funds research as well as provides important patient care services, national and local advocacy, and political campaigning. THIS SATURDAY, April 29th, is their biggest annual fundraiser, Purplestride. If you'd like to join me in supporting this cause and honoring the memory of my mother, you can join my team, Marching for Margaret, by registering at the event at 8:00 am at CCBC in Catonsville on Saturday or you can register or make a donation online. Posting on social media also helps raise awareness and fundraising.
Thank you everyone who has shown their support for this crucial cause this year and in previous years. It means the world to me and many, many others. I am profoundly grateful for your care and generosity.
Printable donation form - print and mail.
