My Dad, Jerry Wennlund, was diagnosed with Advanced Stage 3 pancreatic cancer in April 2019, just a few weeks after we'd finished a half marathon together. Our world was rocked even further as we learned that pancreatic cancer has the lowest survival rate of all major cancers, at just 10%. 

The first two years post-diagnosis were rounds and rounds of doctors, tests, surgeries (six!), and experimental treatments. It was physically and mentally exhausting. After a failed Whipple, though, we received stunning news. The tumor had stopped growing. 

The tumor's location continues to complicate his life: he is diabetic and has very limited functionality of the pancreas. Every day he carefully calculates his pills, meals, and tests. It looks like a small Walgreens in the kitchen! And all of that is worth it because he is in remission and alive.

Last year brought a new challenge: kidney failure. A delayed side effect of the radiation treatment that contributed to saving his life was now threatening to take it. After two additional surgeries, thankfully, some kidney functionality has been restored. 

We are incredibly grateful to be on the verge of reaching the 5-year milestone. We are acutely aware that he, and we, are incredibly lucky. Our hope is that by supporting PanCan's research efforts surviving this diagnosis will become the norm and not luck. 

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. By donating to our team, you are supporting vital efforts to double pancreatic cancer survival by 2020. 

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