Thank you for supporting my PanCAN PurpleStride fundraiser!

My Story:

Hi! My name is Linda Wankum, and on April 12, 2024 my world was turned upside-down when my doctor told me they found a mass. That was the day I became a pancreatic cancer warrior.

How did we get here? I have always dealt with acid reflux. My doctors would simply prescribe treatment for the symptoms, throwing medication after medication my way. After years of this infinite loop, and no actual relief from my symptoms, I finally insisted they do more to figure out what was really going on beneath the surface. 

For those of you who may not be familiar, pancreatic cancer is one of the toughest cancers to catch early. By the grace of God, I am blessed to have found the mass when we did. I began immunotherapy treatment soon after the diagnosis, which is somewhat rare for pancreatic cancer. Thankfully, the side effects have been minimal. 

As the mother of two beautiful women and grandmother to two incredible kiddos, I am not giving up on experiencing as much life as possible in the days, months and years ahead. 

The hardest thing in this journey thus far was seeing the impact my diagnosis had on my family and close friends. I still find it hard to tell people because of “The Look” you get when you tell others. Despite the diagnosis, I know I am still whole and I do not want to be treated differently. Fighting cancer is now just another part of my story.

Just like the Jeremiah 29:11 tattooed on my ankle - “For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” - I am leaning into my faith. I am focusing on the most important things, those I love, because none of us know how much time we may have left. 

While my hope is nurtured by my faith and these relationships, my treatment is only possible because of the medical research that is funded through the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network! That is why I am leading the “Wankum Warriors” at this year’s PanCAN PurpleStride. 

My two asks:

• If you can, I would love your support of this incredible, life-saving cause. (additional information below)

• Whether or not you can donate, please take a few minutes to learn the warning signs of Pancreatic Cancer and ALWAYS be your advocate with health care providers.

I want to make the biggest impact on the lives of pancreatic cancer patients – and I need you to do it!

I’m taking steps at the ultimate walk to end pancreatic cancer, PanCAN PurpleStride, on Saturday, April 26, 2025.

PurpleStride participants raise money to fund vital research that can bring new treatment options to patients; free, personalized, one-to-one support through PanCAN Patient Services; and more.

Here’s where you come in! I’ve set an ambitious fundraising goal and need your donations! A gift of any size will help patients and families facing a pancreatic cancer diagnosis.

Want to help in a bigger way? Join me by registering for PurpleStride! Register for free, raise $50 and you’ll receive an official PanCAN PurpleStride 2025 T-shirt!

Let’s show everyone impacted by pancreatic cancer that we’re fighting for them.

I’m grateful for your support!