In just a few weeks, a rush of purple will be hitting the streets across the nation. On Saturday, April 26, 2025 the annual PurpleStride is set to take place across the country. The Purple Stride is a yearlong event that holds one main event every year at the end of April. The PurpleStride comes from the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, a group that advocates for “advancements of research, supporting patients, and creating hope by tackling pancreatic cancer from all angles through research funding, patient services, advocacy, and community outreach.” With over 60+ events, there is a way for everyone to take action.
It is terrifying to be diagnosed with all types of cancer, or to have a loved one diagnosed, but pancreatic cancer is an extra layer of stress–as it is not one of the more common types and lacks research. According to the American Cancer Society, an estimated 67,440 new cases of pancreatic cancer are expected to be diagnosed in the United States in 2025. However, as large as that number is, it truly only represents about 3.3% of all new cancer cases in the country.
Pancreatic cancer also has an extremely low survival rate. According to the American Cancer Society, Stage IV pancreatic cancer has around 1-3% five-year survival rate. This means the later that someone is diagnosed, the less chance of survival they have. In fact, according to John Hopkins Medicine, the average patient diagnosed with late-stage pancreatic cancer will live for about one year after diagnosis.
Pancreatic cancer develops in the tissues of the pancreas. The cancer often starts in the pancreatic duct cells. Often, this mass of cells forms a tumor. Some signs of pancreatic cancer are back pain/abdominal pain, loss of appetite, unexplained weight loss, nausea/vomiting, and Jaundice. Some risk factors of the disease include smoking, diabetes, and a family history of pancreatic cancer.
With the insufficient amount of research and the low survival rate of pancreatic cancer, we must bring awareness to the disease and research for it. In comes the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, better known as PanCan. As stated before, they advocate for pancreatic cancer patients, families, and research affected by the disease.
Although the group does advocate all year long, their largest event of the year by far is the PurpleStride. The PurpleStride, according to PanCan’s website, is “PurpleStride is the ultimate walk to end pancreatic cancer. It’s an inspirational day to honor those we lost, celebrate survivors, and turn the nation purple!”
As aforementioned, the PurpleStride takes place across the nation in just a few weeks. The New Jersey PurpleStride is held in the Parsippany, NJ area; the event will be held at GAF Headquarters on April 26, 2025.
There are many ways to get involved with the event, including registering, fundraising, or volunteering. Registration for the event is free. If you are planning on fundraising, set-up a page on the PanCan app or on their website! If you raise $50 before the event, you will receive your own PanCan t-shirt.
The PurpleStride is a fun, family-friendly event that raises money for a great cause! If you are looking to help those in your community, have a family member or friend who has been affected by the disease, or have been personally affected yourself, it is a great way to show your support and advocate. Remember to wear your purple ribbon in remembrance and support for all those who have been affected by pancreatic cancer.
In loving memory of Michael Caron 1969-2024
Michael was diagnosed with Stage IV pancreatic cancer in late February 2024, and after a short and difficult four-month battle with the disease, he passed away in early July 2024. Michael was a loving father, husband, brother, and friend. He always made everyone around him laugh and constantly had a smile on his face. If you would like to donate in Michael’s memory, please see the link below. Our family would greatly appreciate it. Any donation makes a huge difference in the lives of pancreatic cancer patients across the nation and takes a step toward ending this terrible disease.
https://secure.pancan.org/site/TR/PurpleStride/PurpleStride?team_id=63595&pg=team&fr_id=2964
