This is the first year in a long time that I am not a chair of PurpleStride - it's a bittersweet change but I know that my successors are working hard to make it a hopeful, joyful, and powerful event I look forward to supporting them and seeing their efforts at this year's event ... And maybe I'll even run this year! 

My dad, Roger Kingsland aka "Oh Great One" aka "OGO" (his self-styled nickname), was diagnosed and passed away within two months in 2011. At the time, a kind neighbor told me it never gets easier, but it gets better. It's true - it isn't easier, but I feel more and more empowered and in awe of the people who volunteer for this cause every day. It gets better because of them.

I volunteer for my dad. I volunteer for my Uncle Peter, who fought and lost to pancreatic cancer in 2001. I also volunteer in honor of all of the people who support patients as family members, caretakers, and friends. Dealing with pancreatic cancer is a difficult and emotional journey for all those involved. I volunteer in hopes that someday it will be just a little bit easier.

Morgan