By Lori Bledsoe
For The Alpine Sun
Every year since 2011, a team from the back country gathers to honor their loved ones who have become their angels, Vicky Tillman, Larry Jones, Nancy Brotherton, and Bob Turner Sr.
By Lori Bledsoe
For The Alpine Sun
Every year since 2011, a team from the back country gathers to honor their loved ones who have become their angels, Vicky Tillman, Larry Jones, Nancy Brotherton, and Bob Turner Sr.
In the last three years, they have raised close to $5,000 in the fight against pancreatic cancer. Last year, they had one of the largest Purple Stride teams with 50+ team members. This year they recruited 46 members and added over $1400 more to their fund raising efforts to fight against this horrible disease. This team includes Trisha Monroe and her family, who have been the driving force behind this venture along with several teens and even some teachers.
Purple Stride is an annual event that consists of a 5K walk, and this year thousands participated creating a sea of purple who marched around De Anza Cove, and raised over 295,000.
Alpine Dance Academy performed at the event and many others from Alpine walked the walk joining in the effort to rid this disease from our world.
It is estimated that more than 46,000 Americans will be diagnosed with pancreatic cancer this year, and more than 39,000 will die from the disease. It is the fourth leading cause of cancer death, with a relative five-year survival rate of just 6%. Pancreatic cancer has the lowest relative five-year survival rate of any major cancer.
Historically, pancreatic cancer research has been underfunded. Only approximately 2 percent of the National Cancer Institute’s (NCI) budget is allocated to this leading killer. We know from the relatively high survival rates associated with breast cancer and HIV/AIDS that federal research funding levels matter in the fight to find new cures and directly relate to improved survival rates.
The Pancreatic Cancer Action Network is a nationwide network of people dedicated to working together to advance research, support patients and create hope for those affected by pancreatic cancer.
The programs that are funded by The Pancratic Cancer Action Network include: Research – Since 2003, we have funded nearly $23 million in 110 research grants.
Patient Services – Patient and Liaison Services (PALS) connects patients and their families with dedicated, highly trained Associates who provide comprehensive information and resources about the disease, treatment options, clinical trials, diet and nutrition, etc., throughout the course of treatment free of charge.
Community Outreach – We support an army of volunteers across the country who host local events, attend health fairs, distribute patient information to hospitals and doctors’ offices, contact the media, and alert their elected officials about the urgent need for increased federal research funding, along with Government Affairs & Advocacy that educates elected officials about pancreatic cancer.
