PurpleStride 2024  Yes, I celebrated my 5 yr survival milestone this year and I want more pancreatic patients to do the same.  So this year I continue to fundraise for those in battle, and those yet to hear the words, 'you have pancreatic cancer'.  Please join me in my efforts to raise funds for research and education so that more survivors can celebrate 5 yrs and more.   Together we can make a huge impact.  Thank you for your support.

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You'd better believe pancreatic cancer awareness, education, detection, research, and outcomes are on my mind, as I close in on my 5 yr diagnosis anniversary and Whipple.

                 IN HONOR OF BETSY.  MY FRIEND

 Recently my friend, Betsy, my mentor, lost her battle with this cancer; (she passed just shy of her 19yr anniversary) and so this year I raise funds in her memory/honor, as well as for myself as I battle the mental challenges of never knowing when/if this cancer will return to claim my body.  My body has healed from the trauma of the cancer and the treatments that followed, but, like my friend Betsy, I try to live every minute of every day.  She taught me not to wait for things to be perfect or the right time.  There is no such day/time, just go do it NOW!  So with that in mind, I am setting a lofty goal for my PurpleStride 2023 of $5000.   Please join me as I 'walk' and 'talk' my way to my goal. Thank you for reading my bio.  Thank you to all who support the cause, and a huge THANK YOU to all who help me reach my personal goal.   

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Dec 2017 I heard the words that would forever change my world.  “I have bad news, and I have good news for you.”  “Bad news is, you have pancreatic cancer.  Good news, you might have a chance of being in the 2% that survives 5 years.”  My world forever changed with that conversation.  Since then, symptoms, pain, Whipple, recovery, tests, chemo, emotions, and so much more.   The doctors and nurses have been there for me, doing their jobs with so much skill and compassion.   But equally as important are my family, friends, and church family.....always by my side, always taking care of me, always surrounding me in laughter, and hugs, and prayers.   Even though this is good reason to celebrate, I can not.  My story does not end yet.   There are more chapters to be written.  And one chapter for sure will be about the changes to this deadly diagnosis that come about from awareness.  I need to continue to do my part to raise awareness!  Hopefully you will be part of this chapter with me. 

Pancreatic cancer has the lowest survival rate of all major cancers, at just 11%. 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.  

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