Bionic Buzz® got to cover PanCAN PURPLESTRIDE 2023 event at the Santa Monica Pier in Santa Monica, CA. Thousands showed up to lend their support for the local LA affiliate of the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network to fuel progress for pancreatic cancer patients at PanCAN PurpleStride®, the ultimate event to end pancreatic cancer.
The event took place at the Santa Monica Pier where thousands showed up to lend their support.
Check out interviews with Julie M. Fleshman (President and Chief Executive Officer of PanCAN), Emily & Jean Trebek (Daughter & Widow of Alex Trebek), actor Armin Shimerman ( ‘Quark’ in Star Trek: Deep Space Nine), actress Kitty Swink ( ‘Luaran’ in Star Trek: Deep Space Nine), actor John Billingsley (‘Dr Phlox’ in Star Trek: Enterprise), Dr. Babak (Bobby) Eghbalieh and Nicholas Nissen, MD. Video edited by Steve Sievers of Bionic Buzz.
PanCAN’s goal this year was to raise awareness and $19 million to advance progress against one of the world’s toughest cancers.
ATTENDEES INCLUDED:
- Julie Fleshman (PanCAN President & CEO)
- Eric Idle, British comedian, actor and author, and a four-year pancreatic cancer survivor, served as the survivor speaker at the Los Angeles event’s opening ceremony
- Jean Trebek, who walked in honor of the late Alex Trebek
- Kitty Swink, Star Trek actor and a 19-year pancreatic cancer survivor, team captain for Team Trek Against Pancreatic Cancer
- Armin Shimerman, Star Trek actor and part of Team Trek Against Pancreatic Cancer
- John Billingsley, Star Trek actor walking in honor of his late mother and part of Team Trek Against Pancreatic Cancer
- Pancreatic cancer survivors, caregivers and advocates
ABOUT
For the second year in a row, PurpleStride took place nationwide across 60 cities as survivors, supporters, celebrities and special guests walked in solidarity to raise awareness and much-needed funds for pancreatic cancer, one of the world’s deadliest forms of cancer.
Progress is being made in the pancreatic cancer community. In January the five-year survival rate for pancreatic cancer reached a new all-time high of 12%, an increase of one percentage point from last year. This is the first time since 2017 that the survival rate has increased for two consecutive years, a promising upward trend in the fight against this tough disease. However, pancreatic cancer is currently the third leading cause of cancer-related death in the U.S. and is on track to become the second leading cause. Donations can still be made. To donate or learn more about PurpleStride LA, visit purplestride.org/la.
Jean Trebek and PanCAN CEO Julie Fleshman. Photo by Danielle Matlin. All photos courtesy of Pancreatic Cancer Action Network.
