RALEIGH, N.C. — Laurel Engel and her loved ones will be participating in Saturday's PurpleStride event, which is aimed at fundraising for pancreatic cancer research.
Engel currently works as a clinical coordinator for KidsCan! at UNC Rex Cancer Center. The group serves as a support for kids who have parents with cancer.
“A lot of of times, our teens as well as our kids, they are like little sponges," Engel said. "They’re really absorbing everything that is going on in their worlds, but sometimes it is harder for them to process or understand.”
What You Need To Know
- PurpleStride 2022 happens on Saturday, April 30
- Raleigh's event takes place at N.C. State's Centennial Campus
- Laurel Engel is the keynote speaker
Engel participated in KidsCan! when she was a child. Her father was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.
His passing helped shape her career path.
"It took the fear away for me, to be able to [put] my hands on it and wrap my mind around what was going on," Engel said of partcipating in the group as a child. “I feel really proud to be here now. It feels really full circle.”
The PurpleStride event takes place nationwide, but will be held at N.C. State Centennial Campus on Saturday, April 30 beginning at 8 a.m. Engel will be the keynote speaker at the event.