As I write this, it has been eight years and two months since we lost Mark to pancreatic cancer. Eight years and two months of birthdays, anniversaries, graduations, weddings, kids moving in with partners, fire evacuations, the ongoing maintenance of an old house...life moves forward. A life that is forever changed. A gaping hole exists, but it is still the life we built together; our kids, our home, our memories.

Why participate in Purple Stride? Why donate to the Pancreatic Action Network? Well for me, it is a way to honor Mark and the life we built together. Concern for my children and my brother in-law spur me on as well as they face a greater risk. Facing this disease can feel hopeless. I understand that all too well. But knowledge is power and information is hope. This community offers that to patients and their families.

The 5-year survival rate for pancreatic cancer remains at 13%. Early detection is key. Education is key. Awareness is key. All this takes funds to support research, treatment, and programs that directly affect patients and their families. It is incredibly disheartening and disturbing that our institutions and programs are being dismantled, including research for diseases. Looking to our leaders for support seems a futile effort. We will all need to step up to get the job done. 

Team Captain Underpants has stepped up to Wage Hope at PurpleStride, the walk to end pancreatic cancer. Will you help us rewrite the future of this disease by donating today?

Every dollar that you donate ensures that the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network can continue working to create better outcomes for pancreatic cancer patients and their families. By donating to our team, you are supporting vital efforts to double pancreatic cancer survival. This organization, these folks at PanCan provide so much to families. 

Purple ribbons and t-shirts are great, but they aren’t enough. Please join our team or donate or both! No matter where you are...LA, Las Vegas, New York...stride with us and honor Mark's memory.

Have fun storming the castle!  Think it'll work?  It'll take a miracle.