Welcome to Karen's Crusaders

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

As most of you know, we lost our beautiful mother to pancreatic cancer last May.  It was a short fight, only 16 days from her diagnosis but we are grateful she didn't endure any pain.  During those two weeks, my sister and I documented every memory we could on camera and in our hearts.  We spent all the time we could with her, we brought her dog to her in hospice, told her that her diabetes was cured and Stacy spoiled her with chocolate shakes.  It was a challenging time for us.  We cried when we could, we had to explain it to our dad who had dementia, and we even had to bury our father as he let go less than a week after she was put on hospice.  (You wouldn't know it, but he was a romantic and I just know he didn't want to live without his "darilng")

During the quiet times of her sleeping on hospice, I had constant thoughts running through my mind.  Why are there no warning signs, until it's pretty much too late?  Why do doctors keep calling it a rare cancer, when everyone had a pancreatic story to tell about a loved one?  Why doesn't it have the funds that blood cancers or breast cancer have?  Heck, I didn't even know a reputable foundation to donate to.  Lastly, what can I do?

Well, we all know I can fundraise.  And that's what I'm doing by becoming a PurpleStride Participant in this year's walk.

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.

I'm new to pancreatic information.  I do not know a lot about it, but I DO know... the more money we raise, the bigger impact we make – and we 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!