So thrilled to finally start this team! About one year ago, our lives were completely shattered, as we lost our beloved mom. Grazyna (Grace) beat cancer once before, and there was no way in our minds that she would not be able to do it again, she was an incredibly strong woman. When she was diagnosed in December of 2021, it was determined to be liver/gallbladder cancer, however, when she had her surgery a month later in an attempt to remove the tumors, it ended up being much worse than expected and metastasized to multiple parts of the body. By early February we learned this aggressive form of cancer was of pancreaticobiliary origin (Stage IV), which has a very poor prognosis. She fought until the very end.

On March 24, 2022, at 4:46 a.m. she passed at home, surrounded by her family members, which was her dying wish. When she departed a piece of our hearts went with her, watching a loved one suffering to that extent is almost unbearable, but we were comforted by the fact that she was no longer in pain and finally at peace. That day, heaven truly did gain an angel. Her memory will live on forever; therefore, we try to find ways to honor her kind and beautiful soul. PanCAN PurpleStride is just one way we want to pay tribute to her and spread awareness of Pancreatic Cancer. We would love for you to join (Grace’s Race) for PurpleStride 2023 on Saturday, April 29th at Soldier Field to honor those we lost and celebrate survivors. Donations are very much appreciated to raise funds for vital research which can provide new treatment options for this often lethal form of cancer, as well as offer free resources and support for those who are affected by this disease.

Thank you so much for your support!