Walk to raise funds to fight pancreatic cancer

TROY — The Michigan affiliate of the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network is inviting the community to come together on Saturday, April 27 at the Troy Community Center to fuel progress for patients by participating in PanCAN PurpleStride.

The goal of the walk is to make strides to end pancreatic cancer. PanCAN PurpleStride is a national movement that funds programs and services for pancreatic cancer patients and their families.

The Troy Community Center is located at 3179 Livernois Road.

PurpleStride Michigan is one of 60 events taking place across the country on April 27. City-by-city, thousands of supporters will walk the nation in solidarity to raise national awareness and much-needed funds for pancreatic cancer. PurpleStride Michigan’s goal is to raise $340,000. Nationally, PanCAN is aiming to raise $19 million. These funds help provide pancreatic cancer patients and their families with free, personalized information and resources through PanCAN Patient Services.

“We can make a difference in the lives of pancreatic cancer patients nationally by taking action locally when we come together on April 27,” Kandi Wood, co-chair of PanCAN’s Michigan affiliate, said in a press release. “There is a critical need for more awareness and research for pancreatic cancer and the money we raise through PanCAN PurpleStride will help make an impact.”

Pancreatic cancer is the world’s deadliest cancer with a five-year survival rate of just 13%. In 2024, it is estimated that more than 66,400 Americans will be diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and nearly 51,750 will die from the disease, making it the third leading cause of cancer-related death in the U.S.

In recent years, many prominent public figures have passed from pancreatic cancer including “Jeopardy!” host Alex Trebek, actor Willie Garson, Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, and U.S. Representative John Lewis.

Michigan’s PurpleStride event is generously supported by national sponsor AbbVie;  local Premier sponsors Family and Friends of Ken Wood and Henry Ford Health, Hope Media sponsor WWJ News Radio 950, Passion sponsors Rogel Cancer Center and Karmanos Cancer Institute, and Bronze Sponsor OneMagnify.

Those who can’t make it in person can still participate by joining the nationwide event, PanCAN PurpleStride USA.To register for free, donate, or learn more about PurpleStride Michigan, visit purplestride.org/michigan.  

For more information on the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network and its urgent mission to save lives, visit pancan.org.