Why We Walk: PanCAN PurpleStride takes action to fight pancreatic cancer
Detected late. Spreads rapidly. Poor prognosis.
These all describe pancreatic cancer, which has a way of sneaking up on its victims, with only vague symptoms in the early stages that could be just about anything.
According to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network website, pancan.org, common symptoms include pain in the lower abdomen or back, weight loss, loss of appetite, nausea or change in stool, to name a few.
Worse yet, there are usually no symptoms in the early stages of the disease, so most people with pancreatic cancer find out when they are already in stage IV.
The Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, or PanCAN, is working to fund researchers to find new ways to diagnose and treat pancreatic cancer patients. The organization also offers support and resources to those who are diagnosed.
In order to help raise important funds, PanCAN is hosting its 15th annual PanCAN PurpleStride Saturday, April 30, at Soldier Field in Chicago.
Maureen Feck, PanCAN's Chicago affiliate chair, discusses the upcoming event and how you can participate.
Q: What is PanCAN? Give a brief overview of what the organization does and who you serve.
A: The Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCAN) is the leading nonprofit dedicated to fighting pancreatic cancer.
Our vision is to create a world in which all patients with pancreatic cancer will thrive. We are taking bold action to improve the lives of everyone impacted by pancreatic cancer by advancing scientific research, building community, sharing knowledge, and advocating for patients.
Q: Where do the majority of your donations come from?
A: PanCAN is entirely donor-funded, and PanCAN PurpleStride is the number one way our organization attracts supporters, volunteers and donors to advance progress against pancreatic cancer.
PurpleStride Chicago's goal is to raise $534,000. Nationally, PanCAN is aiming to raise $16.5 million through this year's PurpleStride events.
Funds raised through PanCAN PurpleStride provide pancreatic cancer patients with free, personalized information, services and resources that make a real difference in their lives.
Q: How many people per year do you serve?
A: Over the years, PanCAN Patient Services has supported more than 270,000 patients, caregivers and health care professionals by providing free, personalized resources and information.
Q: What are some of your programs?
A: PanCAN Patient Services directly serves pancreatic cancer patients and caregivers with personalized, one-to-one support that is entirely free. This can include everything from help finding a pancreatic cancer specialist or a clinical trial a patient may be eligible for, to diet and nutrition information.
PanCAN Patient Services is an extension of the patient's care team, helping navigate this difficult diagnosis.
In addition to direct patient support, PanCAN funds pancreatic cancer researchers and investigators through an extensive research grants program. We also have launched several of our own critical research initiatives, including Precision Promise, an adaptive clinical trial designed to find new and better pancreatic cancer treatment options, and an Early Detection Initiative, which aims to learn how to diagnose the disease at an earlier stage when surgery is an option.
We also have a robust governmental advocacy program, as we aim to increase federal research funding for pancreatic cancer.
Q: Tell us about the PanCAN PurpleStride.
A: The Chicago affiliate of the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCAN) is inviting the community to come together to fuel progress for patients by participating in PanCAN PurpleStride, the ultimate event to end pancreatic cancer.
PanCAN PurpleStride is a national movement that funds life-changing programs and services for pancreatic cancer patients and their families. After two years of virtual fundraising events due to the ongoing pandemic, PurpleStride Chicago 2022 will be back in person at Soldier Field Saturday, April 30.
Registration opens at 7:30 a.m., followed by the opening ceremony at 8:30 a.m., the walk at 9 a.m. and closing remarks at 10:30 a.m.
Register for free and start your fundraising. Participants who raise or make a personal donation of $50 or more receive a PurpleStride T-shirt. Those who raise $1,000 or more become a Grand Club member and receive a gift.
For more information or to register for the event, sign up at pancan.org.
Q: What else would you like our readers to know?
A: If you or someone you know has been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, call PanCAN Patient Services at (877) 272-6226 or email patientservices@pancan.org. For more information, visit pancan.org.
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PanCAN PurpleStride
What: Fundraising walk to fight pancreatic cancer
When: Saturday, April 30; registration opens at 7:30 a.m., followed by the opening ceremony at 8:30 a.m., the walk at 9 a.m.
Where: Soldier Field, 1410 Special Olympics Drive, Chicago
Cost: Free to register, then start fundraising
To register: pancan.org
• If you or someone you know has been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, call PanCAN Patient Services at (877) 272-6226, email patientservices@pancan.org or visit pancan.org.