Welcome to our PanCAN PurpleStride fundraising page!

On this page we believe in fiercely advocating for our brave warriors in the face of disease, championing and growing our support system, and fighting fervently for the precious gift of time, and hope. We consider our mission statement to be 3 simple, but powerful words: Peace, Love, Cure. A phrase coined by the woman who inspired this initiative, Kelly Gray Smith. A wonderful mother, daughter, sister, aunt, cousin, friend, neighbor. 

Kelly embodied the spirit of Peace, the power of Love, and the hope for Cure. She battled and overcame several cancer diagnosis over the years, until the final diagnosis: pancreatic cancer. It had metastasized to the liver and lung before we ever uncovered her diagnosis. She defeated the “statistics” of such a horrific diagnosis much of which can be attributed to her forceful spirit, unwavering faith and the powerful love of so many lifting her up in support, advocacy and a loyal, brilliant medical team. Her countless loved ones fueled her fire. If you were betting against her you’d lose. Until her last day she remained full of faith, a force to continue her fight, and ensured that those she held dear knew how deeply she loved them, and for us, we made sure she knew how deeply we love her back.  Kelly gained her heavenly wings in January 2024. She left us all with space in our hearts only she could fill. We seek to honor Kelly's life, create meaningful impact and bring hope to everyone impacted not just by pancreatic cancer but all cancer disease.

Here on this page we identify ourselves as Kelly’s Army. A group of dedicated loved ones who battled the war of all wars alongside her in a fight for more time with her here on earth. Kelly's Army is left broken by her passing but her fighter spirit and unwavering faith were a force we were blessed to witness. It was the biggest we’ve ever known and it is our intention to carry that force into the future by fueling the fire of others, just as we did for Kelly. We want to create impact, advancements, advocacy and proudly carry PLC forward.

There are few things we know as true: the cancer fight is hellacious, time is the most precious gift, and every person facing diagnosis be it the patient themselves or caregiver(s) deserves to be surrounded by warriors armed and prepared to fight alongside them. If there’s one thing about Kelly, she didn’t know a stranger and always lent a hand to whomever needed it. We graciously invite you to join our Army. Allow us to be your warriors. 

I’ll be participating in the ultimate walk to end pancreatic cancer at PanCAN PurpleStride, on Saturday, April 27, 2024 and I would be honored to have you walk alongside me. This walk will make our intentions firm in creating meaningful impact on the lives of pancreatic cancer patients and their families  

PurpleStride participants raise money to fund vital research that can bring new treatment options to patients; free, personalized, one-to-one support through PanCAN Patient Services; and more.

Here’s where you come in! I’ve set an ambitious fundraising goal and need your donations! A gift of any size will be an impactful contribution of support for patients and families facing a pancreatic cancer diagnosis.

Please consider joining Kelly’s Army  by registering for PurpleStride to become a member of our team. Register for free, raise $50 and you’ll receive an official PanCAN PurpleStride 2024 T-shirt!

I’m grateful for your support!