Dear friends and family,

My father Savas (Sam) Tsakiris passed away 36 days after his official diagnosis of pancreatic cancer in 2018. 36 days.... My dad was healthy, worked two jobs, worked out a few days a week, was parish council president of our church, and had never been sick or in the hospital in his life so the diagnosis was a complete shock. I remember him calling us at midnight to go back to the hospital where he was getting tests done for what we assumed was a stomach ulcer. He told us to bring an icon, and I knew it had to be something horrific. He was 66 years old, and I do consider myself lucky and thank God I had him for 34 years of my life. 

Our team, RaiseThe13% is participating in PanCAN’s PurpleStride, a year-round national movement that funds lifechanging programs and services for pancreatic cancer patients and their families. There needs to be more awareness, research, and studies to prolong patients' lives. Only 13% of pancreatic patients live to see five years. Let's raise money and try to change that. Breaking news: last year the five year survival rate was 12% so it has increased to 13% hence, our team name change! 

Last year we raised $6,158 so I'm hoping to match that this year. Every dollar you give means more patients can benefit from PanCAN’s free, one-on-one support, personalized information, service and resources that can make a real difference in their lives. 

Please join our team, RaiseThe13% as a participant, on Saturday, April 27th for the walk or make a gift of any size to get us one step closer to our fundraising goal and improving more patients’ lives. You can donate to a team member or make a general donation to the team. 

Our goal is to raise $3,600 for the 36 days my dad lived with pancreatic cancer.

Thank you for your support.

Love,

Dorothea Tsakiris

Rest easy in Heaven dad...