More Than 4,000 People Will Join The Fight Against Pancreatic Cancer At PurpleStride Chicago Walk/Run On April 26th At Lincoln Park

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Apr 22, 2014, 02:29 ET

CHICAGO, April 22, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Thousands will run and walk to raise funds and awareness for pancreatic cancer, the fourth leading cause of cancer death in the United States, at PurpleStride Chicago 2014 on April 26, 2014.

To view the multimedia assets associated with this release, please click: http://www.multivu.com/mnr/7052653-fight-against-pancreatic-cancer-at-purplestride-chicago-walk-run

"PurpleStride Chicago is meant as a day of hope and inspiration for people who have been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer as well as a tribute to people who have passed away from this terrible disease," said Kelli Steckbauer, Chicago resident and volunteer for the Chicago Affiliate of the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network. "Money raised helps fund personalized support for patients, their families and caregivers, as well as supporting research that will hopefully lead to better treatment options to increase survival for pancreatic cancer patients. We are proud to join tens of thousands of people across the country who are taking part in more than 50 PurpleStride events this year. We all share one common goal – to end pancreatic cancer."

All those who would like to join the fight against pancreatic cancer are invited to attend the event, which will take place at Lincoln Park- Montrose Harbor, Grove 16 - 4400 North Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, Illinois 60640. Participants have their choice of walking, running, or running a timed race on a course along the beautiful Lake Michigan. The event will include live music and other family friendly festivities throughout the day. Registration begins at 8:30 a.m. with opening ceremonies starting at 9:45 a.m. To register, visit www.purplestride.org/chicago.

This year, more than 46,000 Americans will be diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and more than 39,500 will die from the disease. Pancreatic cancer has one of the lowest survival rates of all major cancers - 73 percent die within one year of diagnosis and the five-year survival rate is just six percent. Pancreatic cancer is anticipated to move from the fourth to the second leading cause of cancer death in the United States by 2020.

PurpleStride Chicago will benefit the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, the national organization creating hope in a comprehensive way through research, patient support, community outreach and advocacy for a cure.

"We are deeply committed to supporting the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network in its effort to double the survival rate of pancreatic cancer by 2020 and providing real hope to those who have been touched by this insidious disease," stated "Charlie's Angels" Team Captain Jennifer Odegard. "We are striding for the people who are bravely fighting this disease and for those who have lost their battle. We are striding for my husband, Chicago Police Department Officer, Charles Odegard, who served with the CPD for 21 years. Due to the lack of early diagnostic tools, he was simply diagnosed too late and lost his battle at the young age of 48. I am appreciative every day for the support we received from Charlie's fellow officers and the City of Chicago during his journey with this disease. Like a true brotherhood, they fought with Charlie to the end holding fundraisers in his honor and being there for any emotional support needed. Now, on April 26^th, many more of our family members and friends will come together again to honor and remember Charlie at PurpleStride Chicago."

To learn more about the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network and the Chicago Affiliate, visit www.pancan.org.

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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 change outcomes for people diagnosed with this devastating disease through a bold initiative — The Vision of Progress: Double Pancreatic Cancer Survival 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.

To view the multimedia assets associated with this release, please click: http://www.multivu.com/mnr/7052653-fight-against-pancreatic-cancer-at-purplestride-chicago-walk-run

SOURCE Pancreatic Cancer Action Network