Welcome to Our PanCAN PurpleStride Team Fundraising Page!

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Hey, there!

My team and I are taking steps to end pancreatic cancer at PanCAN PurpleStride on Saturday, April 26, 2025.

Melissa lost her battle with pancreatic cancer on August 28, 2022. Losing Melissa has been devasting to our family and her friends as she was an incredible person who brought happiness to so many. Melissa was only 49 when diagnosed, mother of 3 incredible daughters, and a loving/caring wife. Melissa unfortunately had an aggressive type of pancreatic cancer (squamous carcinoma) that took her life only 10 months after diagnosis. Melissa was a fighter. She endured a 7-hour surgery to remove the tumor to only find out two months later the cancer had spread. Melissa had months of chemotherapy but unfortunately this deadly disease could not be stopped.

While Melissa was going through chemotherapy, she was determined to beat cancer. She used to say that when she was better, she wanted to work to raise awareness about pancreatic cancer in hopes of improving processes for early detection and for better treatments allowing positive outcomes for the unfortunate people who are inflicted with this terrible cancer.  

In honor of Melissa, please join us either by donating or joining the team to fundraise and help fight against pancreatic cancer.   

Thank you for your support!