I'm fundraising for...a cure.
In August 2014, my family and I were hit with devastating news. My grandpa, Albert Barnard, was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. Countless doctors' appointments, hospital visits, late-night research sessions, and long conversations about what was happening, left me confused and angry.
I watched as my strong, fun-loving, full-of-life grandpa deteriorated in front of my eyes. On December 31, 2014, my grandpa was taken from us. He was 75 years old and left behind a wife of 55 years, 7 children, and 10 grandkids. Not a day goes by that my family and I don't feel the huge void in our hearts.
In September 2015 along with some family and friends, I walked in my first Lustgarten Foundation Walk in St. Charles, MO. It was a very uplifting experience and I began thinking about doing more walks. And then, it hit me - why not have a walk in my hometown?! A town that was affected by not one, but countless cases of pancreatic cancer.
I reached out to Ann at the Lustgarten Foundation and we started talking about what could be done in the Hannibal area (little did she know how Type-A personality I am.) A couple of months later, I'm thrilled to be a part of the Lustgarten Family and be able to help raise money for such an amazing cause. It is rewarding to know that 100% of every donation we receive, goes directly to pancreatic cancer research!
Pancreatic Cancer is the most lethal of cancers. With no early detection test, it is difficult to understand what to fight and when. Think about this, 67,440 people will be diagnosed this year alone. Out of those 67,440 people, 51,980 will die and only 13% of those diagnosed will survive past 5 years. With the Lustgarten Foundation, every donation goes DIRECTLY to research to fight this disease. EVERY donation!!
Since its inception, the Lustgarten Foundation has invested over $282M in high-risk, high-reward research to accelerate and expand life-saving treatment options. They lead a unique, collaborative, science-focused strategy and have been a driving force in every major advancement in pancreatic cancer research
I want to put pancreatic cancer on the map. I want people to be aware of this lethal, terrifying, and fast-moving cancer. I want people to know the signs and symptoms. I want people to get out there. I want people to be checked.
Because I will never stop fighting. And I will never stop walking. This is not just my fight anymore. This is a fight for every single grandma, grandpa, mom, dad, aunt, uncle, cousin, friend, spouse & partner.
Thank you so much for reading my story. Thank you so much for taking the time to learn about pancreatic cancer. Thank you for considering the Pancreatic Cancer Research Walk in Hannibal, Missouri.
