Stephanie Maltese

Pancreatic Cancer Walk 2026

My mom was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, a devastating disease, and fought with incredible courage for a year. She never stopped fighting, never gave up, and showed more strength than I ever thought possible. Through every treatment, every setback, and every difficult day, she faced it with courage, resilience, and determination. She was a true fighter until the very end.

Pancreatic cancer remains one of the deadliest cancers, with a five-year survival rate of just 13%. When the Lustgarten Foundation was founded, that number was only 4%. While 13% is still too low, it represents lives saved because of research, innovation, and people who refused to give up. Researchers are making advances in earlier detection, therapies, and new treatments aimed at the KRAS mutation found in most pancreatic cancers. These breakthroughs are giving families hope that simply didn't exist years ago, and some new therapies are already showing the potential to significantly extend survival for patients with this advanced disease.

On Sunday, October 4th, I'll be walking for the 3rd year, in support of the Lustgarten Foundation to help raise money for pancreatic cancer research.

I'm walking in my mom's memory and for every family that has been affected by pancreatic cancer. If you're able, I would be incredibly grateful for any donation, no matter the size. Every dollar helps fund lifesaving research and brings us closer to a future where no one has to lose someone they love to this disease.

Thank you for helping me honor my mom's memory.💜