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.

Thanks for supporting our PanCAN PurpleStride team fundraiser! 

We're proud to be taking steps as a team 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, we’ve set an ambitious team fundraising goal and need your help – will you donate to our fundraiser? You can donate directly to the team (which will not go toward a specific team member’s goal) or you can select a team member and donate toward that person's fundraising goal (which will also support the team’s goal)!