Join me in a fight against one of the world's deadliest cancers - pancreatic cancer. Despite my family member enduring months of chemotherapy and surgery, she is one of the lucky few given the opportunity to fight...and she's still fighting. Unfortunately, what makes pancreatic cancer one of the deadliest forms of cancer is because we don't know enough about the early warning signs or any reason for cause. For my family member, a dull ache in the stomach when wearing a particular set of pants with an elastic waist band seemed unusual enough to mention it to her doctor during a routine checkup. Many would have ignored this symptom until further pain or sickness developed. Luckily, the MD immediately ordered a CT abdomen scan that indicated a suspicion of cancer. This was followed by an MRI and a biopsy which confirmed the unfortunate diagnosis.

We need to do more to research and bring awareness to the early signs of pancreatic cancer. Your donation will contribute to resources to provide life-changing programs and services for pancreatic cancer patients and families. Because of you, PanCAN can advance scientific research, including early detection initiatives and new treatment approaches; build volunteer relationships in local communities; provide free, personalized information about treatment options, diet, and resources to patients and caregivers and advocate for increased research funding.

I'm taking steps at the ultimate walk, PanCAN PurpleStride, on Saturday, April 27, 2024 in San Francisco (purplestride.org/sanfrancisco). Here's where you come in! I've set an ambitious fundraising goal and welcome you to join our team, Oikogenia*. A gift of any size will help patients and families facing a pancreatic cancer diagnosis. Let's show everyone impacted by pancreatic cancer that we're fighting for them. You can donate here on Facebook/Instagram or follow my Team Page here : https://secure.pancan.org/site/TR/PurpleStride/PurpleStride?team_id=54493&pg=team&fr_id=2825

I hope you will join me and our Oikogenia in this fight

*Oikogenia is Greek for "family."