I am proud to serve as the Honorary Chair for PurpleStride New York City this year to benefit the critical mission of the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network. On April 21, I will join you and thousands of others in New York City to make a difference by supporting this important cause.
Like many of you, I have been deeply affected by this devastating disease. My husband, Patrick Swayze, fought this formidable enemy for 22 months before succumbing to it in September 2009.
Even though Patrick is gone, the fight against pancreatic cancer remains. It hasn’t been easy, but my determination and passion to continue to fight this disease in his honor is motivated by the many volunteers and survivors who I’ve met and the progress we are making.
Despite the fact that pancreatic cancer is the fourth leading cause of cancer death in the United States, the disease has no early detection method and few effective treatment options are available for patients. It is the only one of the top ten cancer killers with a five-year survival rate in the single digits, a statistic that has not improved significantly in more than 40 years.
We must work together to change these odds for all of our friends and loved ones who now face this disease as well as the many thousands who will be diagnosed in the future.
PurpleStride New York City pays tribute to all those lost to pancreatic cancer. The event also empowers those currently battling the disease with the hope that one day, with your help, we can put an end to pancreatic cancer. Please join me in creating hope and being part of this truly amazing effort!
Please support the important work of the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network and their goal of doubling the pancreatic cancer survival rate by 2020. Register today at www.purplestride.org. Sign up as an individual or form a team to walk together, and join with thousands of others on April 21 in making strides toward a cure.
Thank you for supporting this important cause!
Sincerely,
Lisa Niemi Swayze
