Team Michelle C.'s Purple Stride Page

Dear Loved Ones,

As many of you know, I was diagnosed with Pancreatic Cancer last year.  Having had surgery followed by chemotherapy, I am one of the luckier patients who was able to catch this early and have the tumor resected.  Am I embracing hope and joy more than ever? Yes! And am I scared of recurrence? Absolutely.  Forgive me for sounding morbid, but I think to myself if this cancer were to ever come back and I only had a few more years left, how would I want to spend it? I would want you all to know how lucky I've been to have such a loving husband and son who filled my life so richly and deeply.  I am grateful for all the love and support we have received along the way.  And as long as I'm still here and moving forward, I am empowered to do something positive.  Therefore I am on a mission to raise awareness and money for pancreatic cancer research. 

Much progress has been made over the years in terms of treatments. New advances are made every day, including a promising mRNA vaccine that may be able to prevent pancreatic cancer in the future.  However, we still have a ways to go.  There are no early screening measures for pancreatic cancer and it still remains one of the most lethal cancers.  And while it has improved, the 5 year survival rate is only at 12%.  We need to do more to help end all cancers including pancreatic.  

So here are three things you can do to help me with my mission:

1) please consider donating to Pancreatic Cancer Research here.  I am hoping to raise $5,000 at least. Any financial support to help reach my goal is greatly appreciated!

2) come join me, Mike and Oliver on Saturday, April 29 for PURPLE STRIDE in NYC, the Ultimate Walk to END Pancreatic Cancer.  If you're not in our area, PURPLE STRIDE is happening across 60 cities on April 29.  Check one out in your area.

3) please help spread the word that I'm trying to raise money for this worthy cause.  Any postings on your social media, or email/text blasts, as well as word of mouth would be greatly appreciated!

My hope is that we will find a vaccine and a cure for pancreatic cancer in my lifetime.  And even if we don't, I am proud to be part of this mission that helps get that much closer to the end goal.

Lots of love,

Michelle