Dear Friends,

As most of you know, I am a rare pancreas cancer survivor.  This past December 2022 marked nine-years of survival.  While my doctors remain careful and I remain under surveillance, there is no sign of disease.  I continue to work advocating for those who cannot do so for themselves, and I remain active with swimming, cycling, and activities like wakeboarding/surfing and snowboarding. Life is good and I am truly blessed and I treasure your support.  But we still need your help.

The five-year survival rate for pancreatic cancer is now 12%, an increase of one percent from last year. This is the first time since 2017 that the survival rate has gone up two years in a row, a promising upward trend that shows continued progress in the fight against this tough disease.  When I was diagnosed in 2013, the five-year survival rate was a dismal 6 percent.  The improved survival rate represents lives saved - a one percent increase means 641 more loved ones who will enjoy life's moments five years after diagnosis. 

But there remains more work to be done because an estimated 64,050 Americans will be diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 2023 – more than ever before.  Approximately 50,500 Americans are expected to die from the disease.  And pancreatic cancer remains the third-leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States.  

By supporting Purple Stride, you can support the critical work needed to save lives with research for earlier detection methods, better treatment options, clinical trials, education and advocacy for pancreas cancer.

Thank you!

Russ