IN THE WORDS OF JOEY D: YO!!!

Two years ago, my buddy and co-worker, Joe DeMarco courageously attended the PurpleStride, surrounded by family and friends who came to demand better for him and others. Joe passed a month later from pancreatic cancer and Heaven gained a true angel in him. 

Not long thereafter, my friend, Scott Belveal also died after being diagnosed at a very young age. A West Point graduate, his life was defined by remarkable courage and honor. Like Joe, his was a life that was well-lived, but a life that was far too short. 

This year, I've met and supported quite a few people in their pancreatic cancer journey. It feels like cases are increasing at a clip. 

WE MUST DO BETTER.

Today, there STILL is no good method for early detection of pancreatic cancer. That early detection would likely have saved Joe's and Scott's life.

Early detection would have likely saved Ken Hornbaker's life. The devoted husband and father of three young boys - and marathon runner - died at 49.

Early detection would have likely saved Genevieve Gelinas' life. The beautiful reseacher and loving wife and mother of three boys, died at age 46. Her last words to me: "Wear the purple tutu for me at the race". 

Early detection did save me. BUT the detection was by chance - usually the reason for survival. I have had pancreatic cancer twice since my first diagnosis at age 44 in 2011 and today, at 56, am cancer-free. 

Most cases - 8 out of 10 - are caught after the cancer has spread. Thus, pancreatic cancer has the lowest survival rate of all major cancers.

In 2011, the 5-year survival rate was 6%. Today, the 5-year survival rate is 13%. The number stagnated at 13% for the second year in a row.  We've made progress - with significant help from PurpleStride. They will share, it's just not enough.

Team GrapeFul and I are doing PurpleStride in support of Joey D, Scott, Ken, Genevieve, Andy and their families.

We also honor the lives of other dear friends lost to this disease and those in the fight as well as their loved ones who deeply care for them.

Please join our team as a participant, or make a gift of any size to get us one step closer to our fundraising goal and improving more patients’ lives. 

Do it for Joe. Do it for Scott. Do it for Ken. Do it for Genevieve. Do it for Andy. Do it for someone you know. Do it for someone you will know.

and YO! THANK YOU!!