Emily Menard

I am running the Chicago Half Marathon with PanCan’s Project Purple Team in memory of my mom, who passed away from pancreatic cancer in January 2022.

Pancreatic cancer is often diagnosed too late, leaving families with limited time and few options. Experiencing this firsthand is why I am committed not only to raising awareness, but also to raising critical funds that support early detection research, new treatments, and vital resources for patients and families navigating this disease.

I’ll be honest—asking for donations and fundraising is outside of my comfort zone. But this cause is bigger than that discomfort. By running for Project Purple, I am helping fuel PanCAN’s mission to change the future of pancreatic cancer. Funds raised through this effort directly support groundbreaking research, patient services, and advocacy initiatives that give families hope—hope for more time, better outcomes, and one day, a cure.

If you are able, I invite you to support this cause by donating through the link provided. Every contribution, no matter the size, helps move research forward and honors the lives affected by this disease. Every mile I run and every dollar raised is for my mom and for all those still fighting.