Welcome to MegCAN Win PurpleStride Team Fundraising Page!

​Since being diagnosed with Stage 4 pancreatic cancer in November 2023, I have been wanting to contribute in any way possible to help others who have been affected by this diagnosis.  

Just to share about my story/journey: When I was 24 years old, my OB/GYN found a tumor in my abdomen which I had a surgical procedure on in hopes to have it removed.  However, due to the location of the tumor it was unable to be removed as it was completely wrapped around the head of my pancreas.  I was diagnosed at that time with a non-functioning pseudo-papillary tumor of the pancreas (a benign/low grade malignancy).  

In 2019, Brad and I moved to Pittsburgh and not long into 2020, I began to have intense bouts of acid reflux and went through numerous tests to ensure there was nothing else going on.  My pancreatic tumor was found to be stable in size and pathology reports continued to show a benign tumor.  At my CT scan in early 2023, it was found that my pancreatic tumor had grown and that I had a mass with pancreatic cells on my liver.  Due to this, I was referred to an oncologist and future scans continued to show growth of the pancreatic tumor and the liver mass.  

Right after Thanksgiving 2023, I signed for my chemo port and things moved quickly from that point with my 1st chemo treatment on December 12.  I went through 11 rounds of chemotherapy that included an intense regimen of medications that caused cold sensitivity/neuropathy in my hands/feet, hair loss, fatigue and weight loss.  Fortunately, I had a great oncology team and an incredibly supportive husband, family and friends that kept me going through the roller coaster of chemo.  Following IV chemo I was put on a maintenance pill, but recently my liver mass has begun to grow again and I will now be undergoing radiation treatments.  

If I have learned one thing through this whole journey, it’s that I don’t want others to have to endure what I have had to.  I want to help find a cure for this terrible disease.  

Our team wants to make the biggest impact on the lives of pancreatic cancer patients – and we need you to do it!

We’re taking steps at the ultimate walk to end pancreatic cancer, PanCAN PurpleStride, on Saturday, April 26, 2025.

PurpleStride participants raise money to fund vital research that can bring new treatment options to patients; free, personalized, one-to-one support through PanCAN Patient Services; and more.

Here’s where you come in! 

We’ve set an ambitious fundraising goal – because the more money we raise, the bigger impact we make – and would be profoundly grateful for your donation. A gift of any size will help patients and families facing a pancreatic cancer diagnosis.  

Want to help in a bigger way? We’d love for you to join our team! Just click the Register button at the top of this page to get started. Register for free, raise $50 and you’ll receive an official PanCAN PurpleStride 2025 T-shirt!

Let’s show everyone impacted by pancreatic cancer that we’re fighting for them – thank you for your support!