PanCAN PurpleStride returns in person to Jacksonville this spring

DUVAL COUNTY, Fla. — UPDATE 11 a.m. 4/30/2022- Nearly $100,000 raised in Jacksonville alone in pancreatic cancer walk/run.

ORIGINAL STORY:

The Jacksonville affiliate of the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCAN) is inviting the community to participate in PanCAN PurpleStride.

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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 Jacksonville 2022 will be back in person at the University of North Florida on Saturday, Apr. 30.

Pancreatic cancer is the world’s deadliest cancer with a five-year survival rate of just 11%. It is also the third-leading cause of cancer-related death in America. In 2022, more than 62,000 people will be diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in the U.S., and nearly 50,000 will die from the disease.

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For the first time ever, Jacksonville’s PurpleStride walk is coordinated with nearly 60 other communities across the nation for one nationally synchronized PanCAN PurpleStride event with beloved actor, writer and producer Mindy Kaling as the official ambassador for the nationwide campaign.

Thousands of supporters across cities will walk the nation in solidarity to raise national awareness and much-needed funds for pancreatic cancer. PurpleStride Jacksonville’s goal is to raise $115,000.

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Nationally, PanCAN is aiming to raise $16.5 million. Funds raised through PanCAN PurpleStride provide pancreatic cancer patients with free, personalized information, services and resources that make a real difference in their lives.

“By taking action locally, we have the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of pancreatic cancer patients nationwide,” said Katie Wisner, a volunteer at PanCAN’s Jacksonville affiliate. “We are committed to continuing to raise vital funds and awareness to support the pancreatic cancer community and we’re looking forward to being back together in person this year to do so!”

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While pancreatic cancer has received more attention recently due to many prominent individuals who have passed in recent years, including “Jeopardy!” host Alex Trebek, actor Willie Garson, Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg and U.S. Representative John Lewis, the organization emphasizes that an increase in public awareness and research funding remains critical.

Jacksonville PurpleStride is supported by national sponsors Ipsen and AbbVie.

To register for free, donate, or learn more about PurpleStride Jacksonville, visit the official website HERE.

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