In honor of Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month, Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PCAN) is about to paint the town purple, the cancer’s awareness color, with wristbands available on their website. Led by Wayzata resident and 10-year survivor Brenda Coleman, the PCAN–Twin Cities Affiliate is a national nonprofit organization run by local volunteers who supply resources, support and help to those battling the cancer.
“Not a lot of people know about Pancreatic Cancer, until it affects them or someone they know,” Coleman says. “But it has the highest mortality rate of all cancers.”
Megan Williams, a Plymouth resident, knows all too well the devastating power of pancreatic cancer. She lost her mother, Barb Keenan, to the illness and wishes she had found the PCAN organization sooner. “When my mom was diagnosed, I was overwhelmed. I had never heard of this cancer before, and when I searched for information I found this was what Patrick Swayze had, but I didn’t find a lot of help for Mom. Thankfully friends and neighbors stepped in to help.”
Coleman agrees. “Not a lot of people are aware of this ‘silent killer,’” she says. “When people are diagnosed they discover only 6 percent survive five years after diagnosis, which doesn’t leave them feeling hopeful. This is where PCAN comes in. We’re a support network first, then a resource.”
From writing letters to congress, to wearing purple awareness wristbands, to volunteering at events, anyone who wants to become involved with PCAN is welcome. For more information on Pancreatic Cancer or how to volunteer visit PCAN's website.
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Pancreatic Cancer Action Network
Twin Cities Affiliate
612.804.9439
