#United States #Los Angeles #Celebrity Event #PanCAN #PurpleStride

From Daytime to Primetime: A Walk to Strike Against Pancreatic Cancer

In a remarkable initiative, the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCAN) has announced the highly anticipated celebrity lineup for the 2025 PurpleStride, set to take place across nearly 60 locations in the United States on April 26. This event promises to unite survivors, supporters, and notable figures alike, all dedicated to raising funds and awareness for pancreatic cancer, a leading cause of cancer-related deaths.

Among the stars joining this noble cause are several familiar faces from television, including actors from the iconic "Star Trek" franchise such as Armin Shimerman, Kitty Swink, and Jonathan Frakes. They will be joined by Lisa Swayze, wife of the late Patrick Swayze, and reality star Joan Vassos, who leads a team in honor of her late husband. As pancreatic cancer continues to pose a significant health challenge—boasting a troubling five-year survival rate of less than 20%—this gathering aims to inspire action and advocate for change in treatment and awareness.

Leading the charge at PurpleStride Washington D.C. is Joan Vassos, who will honor her husband John, a pancreatic cancer victim, by spearheading her team titled "It's Just a Sprain." Her determination echoes the hope that those impacted by this disease can channel their grief into action. Joan recalls how her husband, diagnosed with the ailment, faced the battle with unwavering optimism, often jokingly referring to his condition as merely a sprain. This immense challenge, however, did not take him out of the fight, and it is that spirit she aims to carry forward.

In Los Angeles, a team led by Martha Madison and Eric Martsolf from the soap opera "Days of Our Lives" pays tribute to their beloved onscreen father, Dr. Drake Hogestyn, who bravely faced pancreatic cancer before his passing. Their team aptly named "Hogey's Home Runners" seeks to embody his spirit of joy and resilience, inviting everyone to join them in this significant community effort.

The Hollywood elite is further represented by Lisa Swayze, who will perform the ceremonial act of cutting the purple ribbon during the Los Angeles event. Swayze, herself a passionate advocate, continues the legacy of her late husband by participating in such meaningful endeavors.

Other notable participants include Judge Frank Caprio, a pancreatic cancer survivor and beloved public figure, who will lead Team "Don't Judge Me" in Rhode Island, emphasizing the importance of community support in overcoming personal struggles.

As the statistics remain alarming—highlighting pancreatic cancer as the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the U.S.—this collective effort is essential. The disease often goes undetected until advanced stages due to vague symptoms, resulting in late diagnoses that reduce treatment options significantly. The urgency of developing effective early detection strategies cannot be overstated, as early diagnosis plays a crucial role in successful outcomes.

For more information about PurpleStride and to support the efforts of the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, individuals can visit pancan.org or follow them on social media. This community-driven event not only advocates for those currently battling pancreatic cancer but also remembers those we have lost to this devastating disease. The hope is that by uniting the community and leveraging the influence of stars, we can pave the way for research development, better treatments, and increased survival rates in the fight against pancreatic cancer. Join the movement and help make a difference—together, we can end pancreatic cancer.