Pancreatic Cancer UK - Rici's Marathon Fundraising

In July 2016, my dad was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. This diagnosis has shaken our family to the core, but it also presents an opportunity to reaffirm our support for each other. My dad has been through chemotherapy, two invasive surgeries and another set of chemo. At times, it is difficult to see him struggle but it is also deeply moving to witness how he is able to find strength every single day despite his illness. Running the London Marathon for Pancreatic Cancer UK gives me the opportunity to show my solidarity in his fight. It also allows me to honor everyone who has had to struggle with this disease, express my gratitude to our medical teams and support the advocacy organizations who accompany us on this journey.

Pancreatic cancer has the lowest survival rate of all major cancers. It is the 4th most common cause of cancer-related deaths in men and women in more developed countries and only 2-10 percent of those diagnosed survive the first five years. Each day an estimated 985 people across the globe die from pancreatic cancer. Pancreatic cancer is currently the 12^th most common cancer around the world but it is estimated that by 2020, this figure will increase to 418,000 new cases diagnosed globally annually. Studies show that death rates for pancreatic cancer are increasing in the United States (in both sexes) and Europe (in women), even though death rates are declining for most other cancers.

Pancreatic Cancer UK is fighting the disease on all fronts. They provide expert, personalized support and information and fund innovative research to find the breakthroughs that will change how we understand, diagnose and treat pancreatic cancer. With your support, Pancreatic Cancer UK will continue to push for new research on how to diagnose pancreatic cancer earlier, to find tailored treatments that minimize harmful side effects and to advance research on new immunotherapy treatments. The goal is to give pancreatic cancer the recognition it needs in order to combat the above statistics. Thank you, I'm excited to know that #TeamPanCanUK has your support!