Joan Vassos to Commemorate Late Husband at PanCAN's PurpleStride for Pancreatic Cancer Awareness

Joan Vassos to Honor Late Husband at PanCAN PurpleStride

On February 14, 2025, Joan Vassos announced her participation in the upcoming PanCAN PurpleStride, a national walk dedicated to raising awareness and funds to fight pancreatic cancer. This poignant date marks six years since her late husband, John Vassos, was diagnosed with this challenging disease. Joan's team, dubbed "It's Just a Sprain," is inspired by John's optimistic outlook during his battle with cancer. To him, the diagnosis was just a minor setback, a notion he repeatedly expressed with the phrase, "It's just a sprain."

Joan's journey began with a heart-wrenching struggle; John was diagnosed on Valentine's Day 2019 and passed away on January 18, 2021, after a courageous fight. Driven by a desire to honor his memory, Joan sees this event as not only a personal tribute but also an opportunity to inform others about the realities of pancreatic cancer. "Advocating for pancreatic cancer is incredibly important to me," Joan said. "I am grateful to partner with PanCAN, allowing us to honor John's spirit while helping others facing similar challenges."

The PurpleStride event, scheduled for April 26, 2025, will take place simultaneously in nearly 60 communities nationwide, including Washington D.C. at Freedom Plaza. Joan, who is the team captain, has set an ambitious goal of raising $100,000 for PanCAN to support their mission of improving lives affected by pancreatic cancer.

PanCAN PurpleStride brings together individuals from all walks of life—survivors, caregivers, families, healthcare professionals, and supporters—uniting them in a common cause to combat this deadly disease. The funds raised will support research, provide critical resources for patients and families, and help advance treatments.

Pancreatic cancer is one of the most lethal forms of cancer, currently the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States. Alarmingly, it is projected to become the second leading cause. The illness is particularly insidious because it often presents with vague symptoms. Most patients are diagnosed late, severely affecting their treatment options.

As one of the cancers that lacks a standard screening procedure, pancreatic cancer highlights the urgent need for increased research, funding, and awareness. Notable individuals who have succumbed to this illness include TV host Alex Trebek and Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, underscoring the devastating impact of the disease across society.

Joan encourages others to support her team by donating and participating in the walk, sending out a call to friends, fans, and fellow reality stars. Together, they can make strides towards eradicating pancreatic cancer, thereby transforming lives. For further information on the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network and the critical work they are doing, visit pancan.org or follow PanCAN on social media platforms.

The organization empowers patients and caregivers with essential resources, amplifying advocacy and pioneering early detection strategies and personalized treatments. As they continue building a community dedicated to bringing change, Joan Vassos stands at the forefront, honoring her husband's legacy while driving crucial awareness of pancreatic cancer.