In the very early morning hours of January 8, our youngest daughter and I gathered what we could fit into my small Kia as we prepared to evacuate from our home. The last time we had to evacuate was for the Station Fire in 2009...this time we were facing this all without our fearless Captain, Mark. We are so incredibly fortunate as our neighborhood was spared while those in our community suffered such devastation. Mark was so incredibly brave facing this disease and managed to maintain his sense of humor throughout.  His love for his family and friends (and all things comic-book-related) kept his spirit strong. When I'm feeling depleted, it's that spirit that fills my well.  We are all so weary and it's tempting to just throw in the towel, but ya know what? That's not what our Captain Underpants would have done. He would find the humor in this situation and carry forward.  And so, we've got to look out for each other, support our neighbors, and hold fast to our integrity.

The 5-year survival rate for pancreatic cancer remains at 13%. Early detection is key. Education is key. Awareness is key. All this takes funds to support research, treatment, and programs that directly affect patients and their families. It is incredibly disheartening and disturbing that our institutions and programs are being dismantled, including research for diseases. Looking to our leaders for support seems a futile effort. We will all need to step up to get the job done. 

Team Captain Underpants has stepped up to Wage Hope at PurpleStride, the walk to end pancreatic cancer. Will you help us rewrite the future of this disease by donating today?

Every dollar that you donate ensures that the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network can continue working to create better outcomes for pancreatic cancer patients and their families. By donating to our team, you are supporting vital efforts to double pancreatic cancer survival. This organization, these folks at PanCan provide so much to families. 

Purple ribbons and t-shirts are great, but they aren’t enough. Please join our team or donate or both! No matter where you are...LA, Las Vegas, New York...stride with us and honor Mark's memory.

Have fun storming the castle!  Think it'll work?  It'll take a miracle.