Teen Beats Rare Pancreatic Cancer, Now Leads Chicago Walk

When Reyna Arreguin was 13, doctors found a tumor the size of a cantaloupe on her pancreas after her mom pushed for a CT scan beyond a simple rash diagnosis.

Within a week of her Valentine's Day diagnosis, Reyna underwent the Whipple procedure at a Chicago children's hospital. The complex surgery rearranged her organs and left her with almost no pancreas, making her only the third child treated for pancreatic cancer at that hospital.

Now 15, Reyna is thriving as a straight-A sophomore taking all AP classes. She never needed chemotherapy and has embraced her second chance at life with remarkable positivity.

Her mom Nancy's instinct saved her life. Reyna had experienced digestive issues since age seven, and Nancy knew the rash pointed to something deeper than allergies.

A nurse at the hospital told the Arreguin family about PurpleStride, the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network's annual fundraising walk. The event raises awareness and funds to support patients and families battling this difficult disease.

This April marks Reyna's second year participating in PurpleStride Chicago. On Saturday, April 25, she'll take the stage as a speaker, sharing her story with thousands of walkers.

Why This Inspires

Reyna could have let her diagnosis define her teenage years. Instead, she's using her experience to give hope to others facing the same battle.

Her message is simple and urgent: register for PurpleStride today. National Registration Day reminds us that community support makes a real difference for families navigating cancer treatment.

Reyna represents something powerful for pancreatic cancer patients. As one of the youngest survivors at her hospital, she proves that even rare diagnoses in children can have positive outcomes with early detection and aggressive treatment.

Her story also highlights why parent advocacy matters. Nancy's refusal to accept the initial diagnosis and her push for deeper testing literally saved her daughter's life.

Communities across the nation will host PurpleStride events in 2026, bringing together survivors, families, and supporters who refuse to accept pancreatic cancer as unstoppable.

Reyna will stand before the Chicago crowd as living proof that survival is possible, that young people can reclaim their futures, and that speaking up saves lives.