PanCAN PurpleStride Iowa is back, IN PERSON, and on one BIG day! On April 27th, 2024, we will join all PurpleStride events across the country to raise awareness and funds for pancreatic cancer. 

We've been participating in PurpleStride Iowa since 2010, making this our 15th event - and marking 12 years since Brian died. Our family is so incredibly thankful for the love, support, and generosity we have received from all of our friends and family. Thank you for continuing to support us! 

All proceeds from PurpleStride Iowa go to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network to help fight and end pancreatic cancer and we would love for you to be a part of our team, "Brian's Buddhas"! (The story behind the team name: Since Brian had such a big, round tummy, a family friend would always ask to rub it for good luck. This became an ongoing joke and the nickname "Buddha" just kind of stuck.)

This event is not just for us... It's for everyone who has been affected by pancreatic cancer. Brian touched so many of our lives in so many different ways. He was always the first to help someone out and would go above and beyond for any of his family and friends. He had the biggest heart a person could have... Filled with kindness, patience, and generosity. We owe it to him to keep fighting pancreatic cancer in his memory!!

For those of you who aren't familiar with our story, here is a brief summary of Brian's battle:

 In July of 2010, Brian was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer after doctoring for months due to abdominal pain and discomfort. In August 2010, he had a major surgery (distal pancreatectomy) to remove the tumor along with part of his pancreas, his spleen, and surrounding lymph nodes. Shortly after this surgery, Brian developed a severe infection at the surgical site that required a tube to help drain out the infection. Due to the infection, he was unable to start any sort of treatments for the cancer. After months of hospital stays and drainage tubes trying to fight off the infection, Brian underwent a second major surgery in December 2010 to remove all of the infected area and another section of his pancreas. Finally in January of 2011, Brian was able to start his first round of chemotherapy. Prior to him starting chemo, his CT scan showed the cancer was also in his liver and we knew it was going to be an uphill battle. After six months of chemo treatments, we learned the cancer was on the move again and Brian had to start a more vigorous chemotherapy treatment. This one took a total of 48 hours to administer an entire treatment, which he would repeat every two weeks. After a few treatments, the chemo started to take it's toll and at the first part of November, we learned the treatments were no longer working.

After a 16 month hard-fought battle, Brian died on November 19th, 2011. We miss him dearly... Every second, of every day.

PanCAN PurpleStride is a way for us to connect with other families, friends, survivors and caregivers who know the turmoil and hell pancreatic cancer causes - as well as bring hope and change for the future! The five year survival rate of pancreatic cancer sits at just 13%. That needs to change. But we can't do it without you! Whether its $10 or $100 or joining our team and walking with us, every bit helps. And we could not be more thankful for your support!

With love,

The Soukup Girls