Family Raising Pancreatic Cancer Awareness

More than 1,000 locals will join the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network on Saturday, June 21 for PurpleStride Connecticut, the annual 5K walk and timed run to raise funds and awareness about pancreatic cancer, the fourth leading cause of cancer death in the United States.

“We participate in PurpleStride to honor our brave and loving mother, Donna Green, who lost her battle in August 2013,” said Ashley Green of South Windsor. “Pancreatic cancer is considered a silent killer, because it is not usually diagnosed until it has spread to other organs. Our mom was considered “lucky”, as she had symptoms and it was caught early.” Pancreatic cancer has one of the lowest survival rates of all major cancers - 73 percent of patients die within one year of diagnosis and the five-year survival rate is just six percent.

“My Mom underwent radiation, chemotherapy and a 12 hour surgery to remove the entire tumor as well as some lymph nodes in August 2012. Mom’s health started improving and by Thanksgiving she was feeling relatively normal. However, in December her health started declining again. We knew in January it was bad because she only left the house for her doctor appointments, which we knew was devastating for her because she was a social person and loved going out to lunch and shopping.”

Ashley will be joined by family and friends who comprise Team "Donna’s Angels" in memory of her mother and her brave battle with pancreatic cancer. Green said, "This is our third year walking in honor of a truly wonderful soul, and all others affected by this horrible disease." She added, "Thanks to our extended family, friends and coworkers for all of your contributions, love& support."

All those who would like to join the fight are invited to attend the event at Hubbard Park in Meriden. The event will include music, refreshments and other family-friendly festivities. In 2013, over 1,100 people attended PurpleStride and over $120,000 was raised for research!

Registration opens at 8 a.m. and the run/walk starts at 10:00 a.m. To register, visit: http://www.purplestride.org/connecticut.