Stars Join 60,000 at April 25 Walk to End Pancreatic Cancer

When Jean Trebek watched her husband Alex bravely face pancreatic cancer in 2019, she made a promise to keep fighting long after his diagnosis. Now she's joining dozens of celebrities and 60,000 people across 50 communities for the largest pancreatic cancer fundraising walk in America.

PanCAN PurpleStride happens April 25, 2026, with a bold goal: raise $17 million to fund research and support families facing this devastating disease. What makes this year special is the powerful lineup of voices speaking up, each carrying their own story of loss and determination.

Lisa Niemi Swayze honors her late husband Patrick. Golden Bachelorette star Joan Vassos leads Team "It's Just A Sprain" for her husband John, who passed in 2021. Food Network's Jeff Mauro captains "In Gus We Trust" after losing his father Gus just last year.

The Star Trek family returns for their sixth year with Team "Trek Against Pancreatic Cancer." Jonathan Frakes, Armin Shimerman, and the inspiring Kitty Swink, a 22-year pancreatic cancer survivor, prove that hope exists even in the toughest battles. Days of Our Lives actor Stephen Nichols walks for his co-star Drake Hogestyn and his father-in-law.

Pancreatic cancer remains one of the deadliest cancers, with a five-year survival rate below 20%. It's the third leading cause of cancer deaths in America and climbing toward second. Most patients get diagnosed late because symptoms mimic other conditions, making early detection critical.

The Ripple Effect

Every dollar raised funds more than research. PanCAN connects patients with free case managers who guide families through treatment options, clinical trials, and emotional support when they need it most. The organization is changing how quickly new treatments reach patients and how much support families receive during impossible times.

Revolution Medicines and AbbVie are backing the event as major sponsors. People who can't attend in person can join PurpleStride Your Way from anywhere, turning morning runs or neighborhood walks into fundraising moments.

These celebrities aren't just lending their names—they're channeling heartbreak into action, proving that community can turn the tide against even the toughest diseases.