Cary Chitwood

Cary Chitwood

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Raised: $399

Goal: $1,000

Thanks for supporting my PanCAN PurpleStride fundraiser!

The Start of the Fight

?I returned from a business trip with an uneasy feeling?something was seriously wrong. I noticed two undeniable symptoms: I told my wife I was heading straight to urgent care.

?The physician assistant (PA) who saw me seemed dismissive. After I described my symptoms, he told me, "you read too much WebMD." I was furious. I informed him that I was 60 years old, and he could review my medical records; I don't see a doctor unless I?m truly ill. I stressed my family history of cancer and insisted that tests be ordered.

?My persistence paid off. Initial blood work came back indicating a higher than normal bilirubin level, prompting them to order scans.

?The Diagnosis and the Journey

?When the PA returned after the scans, he couldn't look .He informed us that they had found a mass on the head of my pancreas. I was admitted that same night. The following morning, I was scheduled for a stent placement in my bile duct and a biopsy.

?A few days later, we received the dreaded call: it was pancreatic cancer. When we first heard the diagnosis, I immediately felt a profound sense of fear, looking at it as a death sentence.

?But I am still here.

?Celebrating Life and Fighting On

?I am celebrating every day that I am alive and using my energy to fight for awareness. Lynda and I now look forward to participating in a Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCAN) PurpleStride event in a different city every year. This year marks our third annual walk, and we will be walking in Portland, Oregon.
 
A gift of any size will provide much-needed hope for a brighter future for the entire pancreatic cancer community.
 
Want to join me at PurpleStride? Now?s the time! Register for free and take steps with me ? everyone who registers and raises or self-donates $100 or more will earn the official PanCAN PurpleStride T-shirt!
 
Again, thank you for supporting me and everyone affected by pancreatic cancer. I?m grateful for you and your support!
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Cary's Achievements

  • Updated
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  • Made a
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  • Send Messages
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  • I've Received
    5+ Donations
    Toward my Goal

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    Set a Goal
    Over $200

  • Raise $100 and Earn a T‑shirt

  • Download & Open the PanCAN PurpleStride App

  • $100

    Raise $100

  • Raise $250

  • Raise $500

  • Raise $750

  • $1,000 G R A N D C L U B

    Raise $1,000 and Join the PanCAN PurpleStride Grand Club

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    Hall of Fame

  • Reached
    Fundraising
    Goal

  • I'm a
    PurpleStride
    Alum

About PanCAN PurpleStride

Local action. Nationwide impact. This is PanCAN PurpleStride, the ultimate walk to end pancreatic cancer.

On Saturday, April 25, 2026, at nearly 60 events across the country, pancreatic cancer survivors, families, caregivers, researchers and supporters will join together and walk to honor everyone affected by the disease.

PurpleStride is PanCAN’s biggest community event of the year, raising money to fight pancreatic cancer on all fronts — through research, clinical initiatives, patient services, advocacy and nationwide volunteer support. Learn more.

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Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, PanCAN, PurpleStride and Wage Hope are the trademarks of Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, Inc.

The Pancreatic Cancer Action Network is registered as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Contributions to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network are tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law. The Pancreatic Cancer Action Network’s tax identification number is #33-0841281.