Welcome to Team Yoder’s PanCAN PurpleStride Fundraising Page!

Hello! My name is Tom Yoder, and I am proud to be called a PanCAN Warrior. For more than four and a half years, I have battled this devastating disease, first experiencing symptoms in May 2021. Surviving beyond six months is a milestone only half of pancreatic cancer patients reach, making every day a gift.

A Journey of Perseverance and Joy

In these past 4.5+ years, I’ve had the privilege to celebrate countless family milestones and cross off many “bucket list” dreams.

• In 2022, I attended granddaughter Olivia’s high school graduation, then welcomed my ninth grandchild, Miracle Mia, at just 2 lbs 7 oz.

• That fall, I attended my first Michigan football game with all three of my children, (Carla, Susan, James), then my wife and I journeyed through several Western and Eastern states on my quest to visit all 50 states.

• In 2023, I biked across Iowa in RAGBRAI (527 miles in 7 days), and visited both Hawaii and Alaska to reach 49 states.

• January 2024 began in Pasadena, then Houston, cheering as Michigan finished a 15-0 National Championship season. I took grandson Lucas to New York City and later scored prime seats at the Cavs with grandson Aiden.

• Also, in 2024, I joined Team Alix as my niece, Alix Magner, became the first woman in North America to complete Everest Biking and Hiking, and I shared my love of tennis with my three other nieces (Michele, Jessie, Lisa)  at their first U.S. Open.

• Fall, 2024, Cuz Yoder attended the Michigan Minnesota (Little Brown Jug) football game in MSP and enjoyed a weekend of family fun.

• Winters from 2022-2025 were spent in sunny Southern California, biking, hiking, and cherishing family time with grandkids Ian & Izzy. 

• In 2025, I watched Michigan basketball and football play in iconic venues and spent February with the Dallas grandkids, Preston & Mia. I biked 327 miles across Ohio, including my first Century ride (100 miles), and completed 10-mile rides with my 8-year-old grandsons Preston and Ian.

• Spring 2025 brought the graduation with honors of my grandson Aiden Duvall, now attending Miami (OH). Two baby showers for my granddaughters, Alexis & Olivia mean that come early 2026 I will become a great-grandfather. 
  

• Summer 2025, celebrated family wedding (Cuz Yoder) of nephew Charles Kerl in Minneapolis.   One highlight was playing tennis with nephew Ben Kerl and one of his super-athletic children Aurora.

• In Fall 2025, I celebrated granddaughter Lauren Fayne college signing to play Softball at Walsh University.     

• In December 2025, I welcomed my first great-grandchild, Asher Jason Consford (Alexis Fayne grandaughter and mom) and met him in January 2026.

• I Just met my 2nd Great Grandson and 1st 4th Generation Cuz Yoder, Luca Paluhu on 2 22 26 and could not be more proud or grateful!   Thanks Olivia Fayne and Mat Paluhu.
  

• Since my diagnosis, I’ve logged over 12,000 outdoor biking miles, a testament to resilience and gratitude for each day and each new memory.

Why PanCAN PurpleStride Matters

Pancreatic cancer is the deadliest of all major cancers, with only a 13% five-year survival rate. This fight is deeply personal. Over the past three years, I’ve devoted myself to fundraising, walking, and advocating with Congress to secure research funding and raise awareness.

Because of the incredible support from family and friends, Team Yoder has successfully fundraised for PurpleStride, and for the 2026 walk, our ambitions are even bigger.

How You Can Help

Team Yoder is determined to make a real difference in the lives of pancreatic cancer patients – and we can’t do it alone!

We’re stepping up at the ultimate walk to end pancreatic cancer, PanCAN PurpleStride, on Saturday, April 25, 2026. Funds raised provide critical resources: promising research, breakthrough treatments, and personalized, one-on-one support for patients and families through PanCAN Patient Services.

Join Us!

• We have set an ambitious fundraising goal. Every donation – large or small – helps improve outcomes for patients facing a pancreatic cancer diagnosis.

• Want to make an even bigger impact? Join our team! Click the Register button at the top of this page. Registration is free, and if you raise $100, you’ll receive the official PanCAN PurpleStride 2026 T-shirt.

Let’s prove to every patient and family affected by pancreatic cancer that they are not alone. Thank you for standing with Team Yoder and supporting this mission!