Welcome TeamWesley,

Thank you for visiting my page. I walk in honor of my father, Wesley P. Watson, who was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in October 2015 and sadly passed away on January 4, 2016. While my journey began as a way to remember him, it has grown into a mission to raise awareness and prevent other families from experiencing the same devastating loss.

When my father first started feeling unwell, he was treated for elevated glucose levels related to his diabetes. Despite his condition worsening, he was sent home from the ER. It wasn’t until he returned for further testing that the doctors discovered the pancreatic cancer that was silently taking over his body. This experience made me realize how crucial early detection is. If my father hadn’t sought further medical attention, he might have gone undiagnosed for even longer.

This is why I support the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCAN). They are dedicated to raising awareness about this disease and advocating for improved healthcare practices that can lead to earlier diagnoses. Pancreatic cancer has one of the lowest survival rates, largely because its symptoms are often mistaken for more common conditions, like diabetes. Many doctors overlook it, thinking it’s rare, which can cost patients precious time.

I only learned about PanCAN after my father's diagnosis, but I want to use my experience to help others. Their patient services offer vital resources, including information on clinical trials, doctor referrals, and even transportation assistance for appointments—services that make a real difference in the lives of those fighting this disease.

By participating in PanCAN’s PurpleStride, I aim to contribute to this essential work. Every dollar raised will help provide personalized support and information to pancreatic cancer patients and their families. Together, we can make progress and drive change.

Please consider joining our team as a participant or making a donation of any size. Your support will help us get closer to our fundraising goal and improve the lives of more patients and families affected by this horrible disease.

Thank you for standing with us in this fight. Patients and families need us now more than ever.