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An unseasonal sprinkling of rain in L.A. didn’t dampen the spirits of more than 1,500 who joined the sea of purple for PurpleStride Los Angeles Saturday at Exposition Park.
More than $450,000 was raised at PurpleStride LA, the walk to end pancreatic cancer, and we’re still counting! Three Elite Teams took top fundraising honors, each raising more than $20,000 for the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCAN). They were the Cedars-Sinai Whipplers, Purple Reign (made up of PanCAN staff, family and friends) and Here’s To You Mr. Robinson – collectively raising nearly $150,000.
Funds raised at PurpleStride events nationwide support our goal to double pancreatic cancer survival by 2020.
FOX Business host and former MTV personality Lisa “Kennedy” Montgomery and KCBS2/KCAL9 reporter Rachel Kim emceed the event. Radio Disney teen pop sensation, Calista Quinn, performed while James Anderson, linebacker for the New Orleans Saints, signed autographs and LA Kings Ice Crew and LA Clippers dancers kept the crowd entertained.
Julie Fleshman, PanCAN president and CEO, said in her welcome remarks, “We’re setting the pace in research, patient services and advocacy. And you, through your tireless efforts to raise money and raise the visibility of this disease, are empowering patients and changing patient outcomes.
“Every dollar you raise is making a difference and saving lives. Your efforts are helping people live longer, enjoy their lives and enjoy more moments with their family.”
Among the tutu- and cape-clad “Purple People” were notable influencers within the Los Angeles and pancreatic cancer community. County Supervisor Janice Hahn was there, as was actress Kym Whitley, plus several other Influencers of Hope, including Jolina and Angus Mitchell, family of the late renowned hairstylist Paul Mitchell.
Kristine Monroe, Los Angeles Affiliate volunteer and high fundraiser with the Here’s To You Mr. Robinson team, said, “I lost my dad and a dear friend to pancreatic cancer. Four years ago I decided no one else should lose loved ones too soon. As a researcher myself, I was looking for an organization involved in pancreatic cancer research. The more I learned about the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, the more I wanted to be involved in their mission.”
Take a look at the photos below capturing highlights from PurpleStride Los Angeles. It was quite a festive day, despite the gray skies!
Rounding out the PurpleStride events for the first weekend in May were walks in Kansas City, Mo., Madison, Wis., and Rhode Island. Check out the highlights and photos:
PurpleStride Kansas City Presented by Lockton raised nearly $250,000 with more than 1,700 in attendance. Nine-time Emmy Award winner Mick Shaffer emceed.
PurpleStride Madison brought in over $101,000 toward their fundraising goal, with more than 960 participants, including 21 pancreatic cancer survivors. There are some photos below, but more will be added as we get them!
PurpleStride Rhode Island Presented by Ocean State Job Lot raised more than $256,000 for PanCAN with more than 1,000 participants in attendance. Local WPRI-TV personality and cohost of “The Rhode Show” emceed. A few photos are below; please check back for more as we receive them.
Thank you to each PurpleStride host city and most importantly, the volunteers who orchestrated these events and every person who came out to Wage Hope to end pancreatic cancer!
Each year, more than 80,000 people in cities across the U.S. Wage Hope at PurpleStride, the walk to end pancreatic cancer. Funds raised through this signature event support such services as Precision Promise, Know Your Tumor® and the Patient Registry.
You, too, can make an impact this way. Register today for your local PurpleStride!
