On November 4, 2012, my dad Joe Merculief very courageously participated in the walk to end pancreatic cancer with family, friends, and co-workers. Twenty four days later, on November 28th, his courageous fight with pancreatic cancer ended. This past November 2022 marked the 10 year anniversary of my dad's passing and our first PurpleStride. It's surreal to think that ten years have passed; we miss him every day. We could not have made it through his illness, subsequent passing, and the past 10 years without the love and support of our family and friends. We'd be ever so grateful to have your support once again by joining us Saturday April 29th to raise awareness and funds to end this horrific disease. 

Like last year, this year’s PanCan PurpleStride events will happen on the same day across the country on Saturday, April 29th! This means more awareness and more funds to keep PanCan’s programs running so patients and families don't have to navigate pancreatic cancer alone. So it doesn't matter where you are, you can walk in a local PanCan PurpleStride walk or just head out on Saturday, April 29th dressed in purple, and walk for my dad and anyone else who has been impacted by this insidious disease! 

We invite you to join us in raising funds, awareness of pancreatic cancer, and to celebrate Joe's life and legacy to end pancreatic cancer by supporting our team, "Joe...lova, love, lova YOU!" Join us on this 10 year celebration of Joe’s fight against pancreatic cancer on Saturday, April 29th (registration is free!) OR consider making a donation.

Here are some reasons to get involved:

* Pancreatic cancer is one of the deadliest cancers. It has the lowest five-year survival rate at just 10% and is the 3rd leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States.

* In 2021, an estimated 60,430 Americans were diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, and 48,220 died from the disease.

* Pancreatic cancer is aggressive, undetectable, and often found too late to stop for most people; PANCREATIC CANCER KILLS MORE AMERICANS THAN BREAST CANCER!

* At this time, there are no proven biomarkers, or clues detectable in the blood or other bodily fluids, that could indicate the presence of a pancreatic tumor, and treatment options are limited. There are not enough researchers or resources in the field and clinical trials don't match patient needs. 

* Fewer than 20 percent of pancreatic cancer cases are diagnosed early enough for surgical intervention. Many doctors lack experience treating the disease. Even with surgery, the disease recurs in approximately 80 percent of these patients, who die within five years of recurrence.

* By 2030, estimates show that pancreatic cancer will rise to the 2nd leading cause of cancer-related deaths.

Please get involved and support our efforts to double survival for this deadly disease!

To register to walk with us on Saturday, April 29th or to donate please click on the link below!

Thank you!
Love, Joe's family