Welcome to the TEAM THEO PurpleStride Team Walking and Fundraising Page

I read of a man who stood to speak at the funeral of a friend.
He referred to the dates on the tombstone from the beginning to the end.

He noted first came the date of the birth and spoke the following date with tears.
But he said what mattered most of all was the dash between the years.

For that dash represents all the time that they spent life on Earth.
And now only those who loved them know what that little line is worth. 

The Dash by Linda Ellis

If you knew (or have ever heard of) John "Pappy" 'Theo" Theofanis you may have a slight idea of what his dash represents.

He was living proof that every day is a new day.  In the last years of his life, he did ALL THE THINGS for the FIRST TIME.  He wrote a book.  He started painting (so prolifically that he hosted several art shows). He competed in the Funniest Person in Austin contest.  He became certified to officiate at weddings (and he did!). He coined "LOBU" the term for the stretch of Burnet Road in Austin between Research Blvd and Medical Arts Rd.

You couldn't help but feel joyful, supported, and relaxed in his presence. This is why we walk. This is why we raise money for the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PANCAN) to fund vital research that can bring new treatment options to patients; free, personalized, one-to-one support through PanCAN Patient Services; and more.

Here’s where you come in! 

We would be profoundly grateful for your donation. A gift of any size will help patients and families facing a pancreatic cancer diagnosis -- $5, $10, $25, $40, $100, $1,000 can make a difference.

Want to do more? We’d love for you to join Team Theo on Sat. April 26, 2025 at Camp Mabry (Purplestride Austin is part of PurpleStride San Antonio - but we choose to walk here in Austin)!

Just click the Register button at the top of this page to get started. Registration is free.  (Note that you are registering for the San Antonio race, so if you raise $50 you are eligible to receive a 2024 T-shirt, but most of our team will not be walking in San Antonio where t-shirt pick up is).

Thank you for in advance for your support and keeping good memories alive! Raise a glass to the memory of John "Pappy" "Theo" Theofanis!