In July 2011, my mom first took my dad to his doctor. He just couldn’t shake feeling “off “. Between 2011-2012 my dad indured numerous test. We were assured he did not have cancer. Why were his symptoms getting worse? In the beginning of 2013 we,as a family,decided to go to a Boston Hospital. Many more test and procedures, still left us with no answers. As the months passed,with my dad continuing to spiral downward, we again ,made the decision to change hospitals. It was at Brigham and Women’s we found a surgeon, who surprisingly my dad knew and respected, Dr. Richard Swanson. He immediately recognized the seriousness of my dads condition. In November of 2013 my dad underwent an extensive surgery. This lead to his diagnosis of Pancreatic Cancer. My fathers courageous and positive attitude over the following next 2 years still amaze me. Unfortunately due to the nature of this particular cancer, my dad passed away on December 19th 2015.

Our family now continue our yearly walk with PurpleStride. This year it will take take place Saturday April 29, 2023. We will be walking not only to honor my Dad, but also My Grandma, Helen Buerlen and the families who have gone through this horrible experience.

Pancreatic cancer has the lowest survival rate of all major cancers, at just 10%. This deadly disease has stolen our best and our brightest, but it can’t take away our determination. 

Our team 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 making a donation 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 by 2020. 

Purple ribbons aren’t enough. Please join us in the fight today.