2017 was a horrendous year for Peggy and me. In only 5 months, we went through the terrible process of hearing the diagnosis that she was afflicted with Stage-4 Pancreatic Cancer, getting through several weeks of severely uncomfortable chemotherapy that really did nothing to slow the progress of that evil disease, and managing to get through the agonizing process of watching her fade away and die before my eyes. My heart still aches from the giant hole left there.

Just 9 years earlier, Peggy watched her sister Mary Lee and her family go through a similar journey with the same uncomfortable result.

Pancreatic Cancer has the lowest survival rate of all major cancers. We have learned that this rate has improved to 12%. But this is still clearly unacceptable. This deadly disease has stolen our best and our brightest, but it can’t take away our determination. We have to make significant progress in developing better means for discovering, diagnosing, and treating this awful disease. It is well past time to make the progress that will give future patients and their loved ones some glimmer of hope.

On April 27, 2024, tens of thousands of people will be Taking Steps Together to End Pancreatic Cancer at one of nearly 60 sites all across the nation. Our Utah PurpleStride will take place in Salt Lake’s Sugarhouse Park. I’ll be there striding for Peggy and Mary Lee, but I am also walking for all the other families of patients who have lost their battles and for the future patients and families who will fall victim to Pancreatic Cancer. Together with all the other people engaging in this effort, we believe we can win the battle and defeat Pancreatic Cancer.

I would love for you to join me in supporting our PurpleStride-Utah 2024! Help us fund vital Pancreatic Cancer research, free services for patients and their families, and the chance for hope that a better future might become a reality. Even if you cannot participate in the walk, I would truly appreciate your consideration of a donation to help us make real progress in learning how to fight this awful disease.

Click on the link above or just below this note to offer a contribution. You can make a donation by clicking the Donate link and completing the information requested. I sincerely appreciate whatever consideration you can make – For Peggy and Mary Lee.