PanCAN

Your community is waiting for you! 👟💜 Take steps to end #pancreaticcancer at 🔗 purplestride.org!

#PanCANvolunteer Anggie B. shares, "This year feels especially meaningful to me. As I approach 30 years as a pancreatic cancer survivor this November, I’m filled with gratitude — and a strong desire to keep giving back. For the past 13 years, I’ve been fundraising and volunteering with PanCAN, and once again I’ll be participating in PanCAN PurpleStride San Diego on April 25, 2026. It’s an incredibly powerful and uplifting event — a moment where we come together to honor those we’ve lost, support those still fighting and take real steps toward a future where pancreatic cancer patients can truly thrive. Every contribution helps fund critical research and brings us closer to better treatments and, one day, a cure." 👟💜 #PanCANPurpleStride is an inspirational day to celebrate survivors, honor those we lost and turn the nation purple! Join Anggie and take the first step and register today at 🔗 purplestride.org.

Pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy — known as PERT — may be one of the most important yet overlooked tools for #pancreaticcancer patients and survivors. In this episode of PancChat, host @AlisynCamerota sits down with Dallas Lawry, an advanced oncology certified nurse practitioner at @UCSDCancer, to break down why up to 90% of pancreatic cancer patients experience exocrine pancreatic insufficiency, how PERT works and practical tips for getting the most out of treatment — including how to time doses with meals, navigate insurance coverage and explore alternatives when costs become a barrier. Listen to the episode at 🔗 bit.ly/426sqy5. The PancChat Podcast is a collaboration between @LetsWinPC and PanCAN. 💜

Join more than 60,000 people nationwide to support and honor everyone affected by the disease. #PanCANPurpleStride is a family-friendly day filled with fun, hope and the power of community! 👟💜 Register for free today at 🔗 purplestride.org!

Trishana H. is a Case Manager on the PanCAN Patient Services team. She talks with people who call and email Patient Services about everything from the diagnosis and treatment of #pancreaticcancer to risk factors, symptoms and more. 💜💬 In the latest installment of our Taboo Topic series, she shares guidance on navigating conversations with loved ones around meal planning. Read her tips at 🔗 pcan.at/l4lavf.

This Stress Awareness Month, PanCAN is sharing four tips to support patients, caregivers and anyone navigating feelings of stress. 💜 1️⃣ Keep self-care at the top of your to-do list. Nourish your body with balanced meals and, if you’re able, make time for movement or exercise, which can help boost your mood and reduce stress. Consider activities that help you relax and recharge, such as massage, aromatherapy, warm baths, naps or other soothing practices. Creative outlets like art, music or journaling can also help you process emotions. Self-care includes acknowledging your feelings — giving yourself permission to feel pain, sadness or fear. Working through emotions is important, and so is making space for moments of comfort and joy. 2️⃣ Connect with your support system. You don’t have to navigate this alone. Let trusted family members and friends know when you may need extra support. PanCAN is also here for patients and families with a full range of one-on-one services, including our Survivor and Caregiver Network. Speaking with a professional counselor may also provide helpful guidance and support. 3️⃣ Give yourself permission to say, “No.” Staying busy can sometimes offer a helpful distraction, but it’s important not to overextend yourself. Know that it’s OK to decline invitations or commitments when you need rest or time for yourself — others will understand. 4️⃣ Try to stay present. Life can bring many changes and uncertainties. Taking time to focus on what matters most right now — and recognizing moments of meaning, connection or gratitude — can help ease feelings of stress. For more support and resources, visit 🔗 pancan.org/patientservices.

Marco A. has supported PanCAN in nearly every way possible since 2017, when he lost his close friend and bandmate, Matt B., to #pancreaticcancer. Marco recently completed the 2026 NYC Half Marathon — this time alongside his daughter, Irene, and his partner, Nanyan. Running together made the experience even more meaningful, turning each mile into a shared tribute to Matt. 🏃💜 “I have always been an advocate for PanCAN,” Marco shared after crossing the finish line. “I was proud to wear PanCAN purple and message during this event that inspires millions of people around the world.” Marco’s journey with PanCAN began with his band, Element47, when the PanCAN Puget Sound Affiliate invited them to perform at their first-ever benefit concert. That performance sparked a moving series of fundraising shows, Live for Matt, at iconic venues in Seattle and New York. Not even the pandemic stopped the music — the band streamed a past show and played an encore “together,” each from their own home or studio. 🎸 Now a PanCAN board member emeritus, Marco has continued to turn his grief into action. His latest race raised more than $50,000 thanks to his generous donation, bringing his lifetime fundraising total to over $1.8 million in honor of Matt. 💜 Thank you, Marco, for honoring Matt with every mile and inspiring the pancreatic cancer community. Start your own fundraiser or honor a loved one with a Tribute Page at 🔗 pancan.org/diy and make a difference for the pancreatic cancer community.

@LisaNiemiSwayze is taking steps to end pancreatic cancer at #PanCANPurpleStride Los Angeles this April, in memory of her late husband, Patrick Swayze. 👟💜 Join Lisa alongside survivors, families, caregivers, friends, physicians and researchers at PanCAN’s largest community event of the year. Together, we’re moving closer to a world where #pancreaticcancer patients thrive. Take your first step today and find an event near you at 🔗 purplestride.org.

Una nutrición adecuada es importante para mantener una buena calidad de vida. Después del diagnóstico de cáncer de páncreas y una vez que comience el tratamiento, las necesidades nutricionales cambiarán. Los problemas nutricionales pueden incluir pérdida del apetito, pérdida de peso, diarrea y diabetes. Una selección adecuada de los alimentos antes, durante y después del tratamiento puede ayudar al paciente a tolerar mejor el tratamiento y a sentirse más sano y fuerte. 💜🍏 Descargue nuestro folleto de dieta y nutrición 🔗 bit.ly/4s1Waq4

Episode 18 of #PancChat is live! Host Alisyn Camerota talks with Dallas Lawry, NP at UC San Diego Moores Cancer Center, about why up to 90% of pancreatic cancer patients develop EPI — and how to get the most out of PERT. In collaboration with @PanCAN 🎙️ bit.ly/3Q9UKfR

Attention health care professionals! ‼️ A new on-demand CME program, "Pancreatic Cancer 101: From Diagnosis, Detection to Patient Experience" is now available from PanCAN, The @NatPancFdn and @PRIME_CME. This module offers a comprehensive overview of #pancreaticcancer, starting with what the pancreas does and why early detection can be difficult. It covers common and subtle signs, how symptoms change with different stages and the main types of pancreatic cancer, along with current stats and trends. Speakers will also discuss high risk factors and how high-risk patients are monitored, ending with a patient perspective on living with pancreatic cancer and her surveillance experience. This activity is supported by an educational grant from @AbbVie Inc., Ipsen, @Novocure and Revolution Medicines, with sponsorship by @ArcusBio. Watch now at 🔗 primeinc.org/podcast/pancre….

Each year, the PanCAN Carol Kulok Award for Compassion shines a light on the extraordinary individuals who bring empathy, humanity and hope to patients and families facing #pancreaticcancer. In 2026, we are proud to honor Lizz S. as the sixth recipient of this meaningful award — an individual who truly exemplifies compassion in action. ✨💜 Established in memory of Carol Kulok, the award reflects a legacy rooted in kindness and care. After losing her mother to pancreatic cancer in 2016, Lisa Kulok partnered with PanCAN to create a lasting tribute — one that recognizes a PanCAN Patient Services Case Manager each year who mirrors Carol’s spirit. Through Lizz, that spirit continues to live on in powerful and inspiring ways. Since joining PanCAN in July 2021, Lizz has made an extraordinary impact. “I’m truly honored to receive the Carol Kulok Award for Compassion. Compassion is truly at the heart of this work. Having once been a caregiver myself, I know what it feels like to be facing uncertainty, searching for answers and trying to support someone you love through an incredibly difficult time. That experience shaped and embodies how I approach every conversation." Lizz’s calm, warm presence immediately puts others at ease. She listens with intention, responds with empathy and consistently goes above and beyond — often volunteering for additional responsibilities and leading key projects. Her commitment to continuous learning ensures she provides the highest level of support, while her emotional intelligence makes her a steady and trusted voice for patients, families and colleagues alike. “As we recognize Lizz with this year’s Carol Kulok Award for Compassion, we are reminded that true impact is measured not only in outcomes, but in how we show up for one another,” said PanCAN President and CEO Julie Fleshman. “Lizz brings heart, understanding and unwavering dedication to every interaction. She represents the very best of PanCAN and carries forward Carol’s legacy in a way that inspires us all.” Through her compassion, leadership and unwavering commitment, Lizz doesn’t just honor Carol’s legacy — she brings it to life every single day. Read more at 🔗 pcan.at/jedniz.

Today on National Doctors’ Day, we honor the dedicated physicians who care for people facing #pancreaticcancer. From diagnosis through treatment and beyond, their expertise, compassion and unwavering commitment make a meaningful difference for patients and their families each day. 💜🩺 If a doctor has made an impact on your journey, we invite you to share a note of gratitude in the comments or post a message in their honor!

Proper nutrition is important for maintaining a good quality of life, especially after being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. Nutritional needs will change during the course of treatment, and patients may experience concerns like loss of appetite, weight loss, diarrhea and diabetes. Choosing the right foods before, during and after treatment can help a patient better tolerate treatment and feel healthier and stronger. 💜🍏 Download our comprehensive Diet and Nutrition booklet at 🔗 pcan.at/irmxx8.

When your team hits specific fundraising levels for your #PanCANPurpleStride event, you’ll be recognized as part of the Champion Circle and receive special benefits on event day as an expression of gratitude. 💜🏆 Learn more about joining the Champion Circle at 🔗 pcan.at/urqd14.

Pancreatic enzymes help to break down fats, proteins and carbohydrates, making them critical for digestion and the absorption of nutrients. Often, pancreatic tumors prevent the production of these enzymes, causing enzyme insufficiency. Treatments for #pancreaticcancer can also be a cause. 💊 As a result, pancreatic enzymes, known as pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy, can be useful to replenish enzymes and alleviate symptoms like weight loss, feeling of indigestion and cramping after meals. This National Nutrition Month, learn more about pancreatic enzymes at 🔗 pcan.at/b1xrbf.

Our virtual event, Nutrition and Pancreatic Cancer: Weight Loss, Enzymes and More, featured practical advice for common nutritional challenges. Panelists also discussed leading-edge research, new guidance related to pancreatic enzyme use and more. 🍏💜🔬 If you missed our event, the recording is now available at 🔗 pancan.org/nutrition2026.

This year’s House Dear Colleague letter supporting $25 million for the Pancreatic Cancer Research Program (PCARP) at the Department of Defense received a record-breaking 127 signatures. We’re grateful to the representatives who signed in support, and to letter leads Rep. @RepTerriSewell (D-AL) and @RepJohnJoyce (R-PA) for their bipartisan leadership advancing #pancreaticcancer research. Learn more at 🔗 pancan.org/get-involved/a….

View the FY27 House Pancreatic Cancer Dear Colleague Letter Supporters at 🔗 pancan.org/get-involved/a….

Thanks to the relentless efforts of PanCAN advocates across the country, this year’s House Dear Colleague letter, supporting $25 million for the Pancreatic Cancer Research Program (PCARP) at the Department of Defense, garnered a record-breaking 127 signatures — thank you to the representatives who signed in support. 👏 Even more powerful, this milestone reflects strong bipartisan support — a clear signal that improving outcomes for patients with pancreatic cancer is a shared priority. To every advocate who took action and shared their story — thank you. Your voices are driving momentum at a critical time in the FY27 budget process. This achievement builds on the success we saw in FY26 and reinforces a simple truth: advocacy — your advocacy — works. But our work isn’t over. A strong, bipartisan House Dear Colleague letter is a major step forward, but it is only one part of a long process. We must continue to connect with lawmakers at every stage to ensure this support turns into the full $25 million appropriation for PCARP. Next, we turn our focus to the Senate. Soon, a Senate Dear Colleague letter will begin circulating, and we will once again call on our community to take action. Sustaining — and growing — this momentum is essential. Every connection and every story shared keeps pancreatic cancer top of mind for decision-makers. This is a marathon, not a sprint. Progress takes persistence, and the stakes are too high to slow down now. Together, we’ve proven what’s possible. Now, let’s keep going — for patients, for families and for the future we’re building. 💜 Be among the first to know when to contact your senators to urge them to support dedicated funding for pancreatic cancer research in FY27. Sign up for advocacy text alerts to stay updated at 🔗 pancan.org/get-involved/a….