Greetings!

I hope you can join me in walking to support the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCan) and/or lending your financial help. Their PurpleStride fundraiser will be April 27th on the CCBC campus in Catonsville. This year is extra special for me as I’ve now been cancer free for five-years.

Many of us have friends and family members who have died of pancreatic cancer. Of those, The A Team walks in honor of Frank Heintz, Pam Shifflett, and Chris Poggi. Though it comprises about three percent of the cancers diagnosed yearly, it has the worst prognosis of the major cancers, and is expected to move up to the 2nd leading cause of cancer-related deaths before 2030. 

PanCan is a non-profit dedicated to tackling pancreatic cancer in a comprehensive way. They provide support and many resources for anyone impacted by pancreatic cancer, both patients and caregivers. Also, PanCan offers research grants to scientists and clinicians, and seeks to raise the public’s awareness about pancreatic cancer’s symptoms and risk factors, as well as advocate for patients.

In December my oncologist told me that of the ~15% of people whose pancreatic cancer is like mine—found early enough and qualifies for surgery, only 20% live another five years. That means I had a three percent chance to be able to write this now. I am indescribably grateful to do so, and sure want to help raise the odds for everyone diagnosed with PC.

Your gift, of any amount, will help improve and extend patients’ lives and aid the effort to stop this deadly disease. 

Thank you so much,
Alden and The A Team