Marathon Goddess Raises Awareness And Funds To Support The Fight Against Pancreatic Cancer By Running 52 Marathons In 52 Weeks

MANHATTAN BEACH, Calif., March 14, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Nearly one year ago, Julie Weiss set out to raise the visibility of pancreatic cancer by running 52 marathons in 52 weeks in honor of her father, who died from the disease in 2010. Weiss, known as the Marathon Goddess, also pledged to raise one million dollars to support the mission of the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network.   On Sunday, March 17, Weiss' incredible year-long journey will come to an end when she completes the ASICS Los Angeles Marathon – all while holding down a full time job and raising two children.

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"Julie is truly an inspiration to all those involved in the fight against pancreatic cancer. Her dedication and passion in honor of her father and all those touched by this devastating disease is remarkable," stated Julie Fleshman, president and CEO of the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network. "On behalf of the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, we are so proud of Julie and our team can't wait to cheer her on as she crosses the finish line of the ASICS Los Angeles Marathon."

"I took on this challenge to honor the courage of people facing pancreatic cancer. At every race, they are the wind at my back and the angels on my shoulders," said Julie Weiss.

Recognizing Weiss' tremendous achievement, The Run Walk Ride Fundraising Council presented her with the Cash, Sweat & Tears Award at the council's annual conference in Atlanta. The award recognizes the passion of millions of people who take on physical challenges and raise money from friends, family and colleagues for important causes.

To date, Weiss has raised over $171,000 towards her million dollar goal. She plans to continue running for pancreatic cancer awareness. In fact, she plans to run 52 more marathons by 2020 to support the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network's goal to double the pancreatic cancer survival rate by 2020.

Currently, the five year survival rate for pancreatic cancer is just six percent and pancreatic cancer is the fourth leading cause of cancer death in the United States. However, it is estimated pancreatic cancer will move to the second leading cause of cancer death by 2020, possibly as early as 2015.

To learn more about Julie Weiss, visit www.marathongoddess.com and for more information about the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, go to www.pancan.org.

About the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network
The Pancreatic Cancer Action Network is the national organization creating hope in a comprehensive way through research, patient support, community outreach and advocacy for a cure. The organization is leading the way to increase the survival rate for people diagnosed with this devastating disease through a bold initiative — The Vision of Progress: Double the Pancreatic Cancer Survival Rate by 2020. Together, we can know, fight and end pancreatic cancer by intensifying our efforts to heighten awareness, raise funds for comprehensive private research, and advocate for dedicated federal research to advance early diagnostics, better treatments and increase chances of survival.

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SOURCE Pancreatic Cancer Action Network

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