We're gearing up for the 2026 Chicago PurpleStride walk, and every step we take is fueled by the boundless spirit of a man named Ronald Sowinski, though to all of us, he was Ron, Ronnie, Uncle Ron, Dad, Neighbor and so much more.

Ron wasn't just a husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, or a friend; he was a force of nature. He was the soundtrack of our lives, literally. Whether he was cruising in the car or tinkering around the house, the music was always turned up to 11. He liked his music loud and was never embarrassed of anything.  He taught us that life should be enjoyed loudly and to the fullest every day.

The pure, unbridled joy Ron found in his bicycle was infectious. He didn't just ride; he devoured miles. Hearing him recount a long ride through Waterfall Glen or down the bike path, describing the perfect weather, the feeling of the wind, or the scenery, was like listening to someone describe their greatest love. He'd often clock more miles in a single weekend than most people do all year, but it wasn't about the distance?it was about the freedom, the peace, and the challenge. That deep, exhilarating happiness he found on two wheels is a powerful memory we carry with us.

A Friend to Everyone, A Mentor to Us All

Ron had a truly rare gift: he could turn a complete stranger into a friend in under five minutes. Waiting in line, taking a walk, or even over a simple phone call he genuinely connected with everyone he met. He loved people, and people loved him. The outpouring of love at his funeral, including the incredible support from his beloved friends, neighbors, and old team at United Airlines, proved how many lives he touched simply by being his authentic, wonderful self.

More than anything, Ron was our patriarch and our teacher. He lived by an unwavering code, showing us how to be a great spouse, a devoted parent, and, most importantly, a fundamentally good person. His example is the foundation we all stand on.

The Grandpa

The pride he had for his grandchildren was immeasurable. He wasn't the kind of grandpa who just sat on the sidelines; he was in the thick of it. From teaching them to ride their bikes and master the chessboard, to guiding them up rocky trails and showing them the best hiking spots, he was a hands-on hero. They learned resilience, curiosity, and adventure from the best. We'll never forget his golden rule: no cell phones at the table! Family time was sacred, and he demanded we all be fully present.

Counting the Minutes

Our favorite memories are simple ones, yet they mean the world: lazy Sundays just floating in the pool and talking, or the peaceful quiet of hiking together through Silver Springs. I would give absolutely anything for just one more minute of those quiet conversations, one more blast of his car radio, or one more, "How was your day?" Ron was our rock, always there, always supportive, and always carrying a positive attitude, no matter what.

Our Mission: Walk in Ron's Honor

The brutality of pancreatic cancer took one of the strongest men we knew far too soon and too suddenly. This is why we are uniting for PurpleStride in Chicago.

In Ron's honor, we are walking to raise critical awareness and essential funds for the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCAN). We want to help fund the research that will ensure fewer families in the future have to endure the pain of losing a loved one to this disease.

Ron would want us to gather with high spirits and love, enjoying the time together, just as he taught us family time should be. It will be hard to walk without him, but we must do it for him. We will celebrate his amazing life by being together and remembering the joyful noise he brought to the world.

Please join Ron's family and friends on the day of the walk, or make a donation to our team. 

Let's honor the greatest man we've ever known by taking steps toward a world where pancreatic cancer can be beaten.

Donate Today and Walk With Us to in Ron?s Honor.

Want to join us at PurpleStride? Now's the time! Join our team by registering for free (click REGISTER above!) and take steps with us, everyone who registers and raises or self-donates $100 or more will earn an official PanCAN PurpleStride T-shirt!