RALEIGH, N.C. -- Known as one of the world’s toughest diseases, pancreatic cancer impacts tens of thousands of families each year. In the U.S. alone, 56,770 Americans are expected to be diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 2019. That’s more 150 a day. And, unfortunately, more than 45,750 people in the U.S. will die this year from the disease.
- In the U.S. alone, 56,770 Americans are expected to be diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 2019
- Stats indicate an estimated 91 percent of those diagnosed will die within five years
- Chris Varner and Liz Johnson are helping organize the upcoming PurpleStride 5K Walk/Run For Pancreatic Cancer on Saturday, April 27 at 8 a.m
An estimated 91 percent of those diagnosed will die within five years, those like Jim Hart, a survivor who was re-diagnosed, and passed away in December of 2018.
But the fight rages on with those who are left behind. Chris Varner and Liz Johnson both lost their fathers due to pancreatic cancer, and have since joined the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network in an effort to find better detection and a cure.
The duo are helping organize the upcoming PurpleStride 5K Walk/Run For Pancreatic Cancer on Saturday, April 27 at 8 a.m., at NC State’s Centennial Campus Oval.
They sat down with Spectrum News anchor Caroline Blair to share their story, and explain why it’s vital we all do our part to end this deadly disease.