Michael Landon’s integrity.

Patrick Swayze’s courage.

Willie Garson’s heart.

Pancreatic cancer has mercilessly robbed us of too many people, with wonderful qualities that we cherished.

A lot of people out there don’t realize how sinister this disease is…how misdiagnosed and hard to treat it is…

The truth is, no one is safe when it comes to pancreatic cancer. And if we don’t do something to make a difference right now, it’s going to touch every one of us at some point.

But it doesn’t have to…

I’m Melissa Gilbert and in memory of my friends Michael, Patrick and Willie, and in heartfelt tribute to my dear friend Kitty Swink, an 18-year survivor, I am joining PanCAN PurpleStride with my team, Prairie Strong on April 30, 2022. To raise funds to fight pancreatic cancer and make sure the people in our lives we love and admire, no longer get taken from us too soon.

I invite you to join my team – from wherever you are in the country.

If you have a PanCAN PurpleStride near you, you can walk at that event. All you do is sign up here and raise money that PanCAN will use for more research into pancreatic cancer and more free support for patients and their families.

Let’s fight this brutal enemy right now. Before it’s too late. So that our children and grandchildren can have a world where, if they are ever diagnosed, it’s a manageable disease with effective treatments and long-term survival.

Or, in the words of PanCAN – let’s create a world where every pancreatic cancer patient can thrive.

Movements like the one PanCAN leads are so important because ultimately, we truly are the ones who can take on the enemy that is pancreatic cancer. It’s going to take time, but we can do it. So why wouldn’t we?

Please join me on Team Prairie Strong today and start fundraising! Together we can hit our goal and change the future of this disease.