In November 2015, we received the worst phone call imaginable. Our dad called and told us he had cancer. What followed was many months of surgeries, emergency room visits, intense radiation, chemotherapy, and countless check-ins with his oncologist. After surgery and the initial round of treatment, there was no sign of cancer left. We reluctantly celebrated - ecstatic that the treatment appeared to have worked, but at the same time doubtful because of how aggressive this horrible disease has proven to be. Sure enough, some months later, we learned the cancer had returned and spread to his liver. It was now a question of quality of life vs. quantity. My dad chose quantity; he just wasn't ready to give up. Continuing chemotherapy bought him, and us, another year and a half. He passed away on June 22, 2018.

Christian Marosi was a son, brother, dad, grandpa, boyfriend, neighbor, and friend. He was quirky, sarcastic, kind-hearted, and loyal. His laugh was infectious, and he had a love for food and Scrabble. Through all he endured, he managed to remain positive and held onto his wonderfully weird sense of humor. He was the strongest person I have ever known. 

Participating in the PurpleStride Detroit walk connected him with others battling the same disease, and provided him with much-needed inspiration and hope. Although he lost his fight, we will continue walking and supporting the organization that is working so hard to increase the Pancreatic Cancer survival rate every year. We would love for you to join us.

Pancreatic cancer has the lowest survival rate of all major cancers, at just 9%. This deadly disease has stolen our best and our brightest, but it can’t take away our determination. 

We’ve stepped up to Wage Hope at PurpleStride, the walk to end pancreatic cancer. Will you help us rewrite the future of this disease by making a donation today?

Every dollar that you give ensures that the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network can continue working to improve outcomes for pancreatic cancer patients and their families. By donating today, you are supporting vital efforts to double pancreatic cancer survival by 2020. 

Purple ribbons aren’t enough. Please join us in the fight today.