Five years ago, my grandfather Keith Jacobs (a.k.a. "Big Jake") was diagnosed with Stage IV pancreatic cancer, one of the deadliest cancers with just a 10% five-year survival rate at the time. To do what I could for my grandfather, I became involved with the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, or PanCAN.

PanCAN is a national non-profit organization dedicated to creating a world in which all pancreatic cancer patients will thrive. PanCAN fights pancreatic cancer on all fronts, funding everything from research to patient services to early detection initiatives.

Every year, PanCAN comes together for a PurpleStride walk to remember those we have lost, to honor survivors, and to continue to raise awareness and fund research for pancreatic cancer. These contributions have made an impact, and the five-year survival rate has improved from 9% to 13%. While this is progress, it is still unacceptable.

Team Big Jake, named in honor of my grandfather, has raised nearly $30,000 for PanCAN since 2019. Although Keith Jacobs passed away on March 19, 2022, we continue to fight in his memory and to create a better future for those who are and will be affected by pancreatic cancer.

This year, we’re setting out to raise another $10,000, every single cent of which will go to building a better world for patients and survivors.

We can end pancreatic cancer, but we still have a long way to go. We need all the help we can get.

Thank you all so much for your consideration and support.

“Little Jake”