Barbara Diecks

  • Karen's Dream for the Cure - Purple Stride Walk April 25, 2026

    Karen's Dream for the Cure - Purple Stride Walk April 25, 2026

Barbara Diecks

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Raised: $1,260

Goal: $2,000

Karen's Dream for the Cure and the PanCan Walk - April 25, 2026

In Loving Memory of Karen

Our beautiful Karen was born with a blond streak through her jet-black hair — a mark of the unique, joyful spirit she carried throughout her life.

Karen was full of wonderful contradictions. She loved her routines and knew her own mind, yet she was also a free spirit who could sing, dance, and laugh without reserve.

A devoted Pittsburgh Pirates fan, she never lost faith in her team and had her own “good luck” rituals to help them win. She was also a fierce — if slightly unconventional — Yahtzee player, and we have hundreds of score sheets to prove it!

Karen loved to travel and had a “Mary Poppins” gift for always having whatever anyone needed tucked away in her tiny purse.

She lived 62 beautiful years before passing away in 2024, just six months after being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. Through her pain, she showed extraordinary courage and grace — always thinking of others even as she suffered.

Karen believed deeply in helping to find a cure. Though she knew it was too late for herself, she hoped every donation would bring us one step closer to a world where no family has to endure this loss.

By supporting this fundraiser, you honor her wish and help make her dream of hope and healing come true.


I’m proud to take steps to end pancreatic cancer at PanCAN’s biggest community event of the year, PanCAN PurpleStride!
 
PurpleStride is an inspiring event for anyone who has been affected by pancreatic cancer and wants to ensure vital research continues and free resources are made available to all who need them.
 
To make the biggest difference, I’ve set an ambitious fundraising goal and I need your help - will you donate to my PurpleStride fundraiser?
 
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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Barbara's Achievements

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  • Connected
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    Fundraise

  • 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

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    Recruit 12
    Team Members

  • 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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    Goal

  • I'm a
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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.