logo
TV STARS WALK THE WALK FROM COAST TO COAST AT PANCAN PURPLESTRIDE, THE ULTIMATE WALK TO END PANCREATIC CANCER

TV STARS WALK THE WALK FROM COAST TO COAST AT PANCAN PURPLESTRIDE, THE ULTIMATE WALK TO END PANCREATIC CANCER

Reality Star Joan Vassos, 'Star Trek' Team, Days of our Lives' Martha Madison & Cast Members and Lisa Niemi Swayze Take Steps to Raise Funds and Awareness for Pancreatic Cancer
LOS ANGELES, April 28, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — This past Saturday, April 26, the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCAN) held its biggest fundraising event of the year, PanCAN PurpleStride, the ultimate walk to end pancreatic cancer. PanCAN PurpleStride took place nationwide in nearly 60 cities as survivors, supporters, celebrities and special guests walked in solidarity to raise awareness and much-needed funds for pancreatic cancer, one of the world's deadliest forms of cancer. It is the number one way PanCAN raises funds to fuel its mission and the dollars raised change the lives of people facing pancreatic cancer and advance progress against the disease. Nearly 63,000 people across the country attended, raising nearly $16.5 million towards fighting the disease.
Pancreatic cancer remains the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States and is on track to become the second leading cause. It is the only major cancer with a five-year survival rate below 20%. Because symptoms are often vague and mimic other illnesses or conditions, most patients are diagnosed in the late stages of the disease. There is no standard screening strategy for pancreatic cancer and few treatment options, highlighting the urgent need for increased research, funding and awareness to improve patient outcomes.
'You are supporting PanCAN's critical work – giving patients and caregivers the resources and knowledge they need to navigate this disease through PanCAN Patient Services; funding research to find a way to detect this disease earlier and find better treatments for patients; and advocating for more federal funding for this disease because we know science follows money,' said Julie Fleshman, JD, MBA, president and CEO, PanCAN at PurpleStride Los Angeles' opening ceremony. 'Events like PurpleStride are more important than ever right now because of recent cuts to federal funding for pancreatic cancer research. We desperately need both public and private funding for this disease to ensure scientists have the resources they need to drive progress and improve patient outcomes, so thank you again for being here today and taking action.'
From coast to coast and across the television spectrum, notable figures joined the fight. Joan Vassos was a featured speaker at PurpleStride Washington D.C., while actors from Star Trek, including Kitty Swink, John Billingsley, and TV writer-producer Juan Carlos Coto, who lost his brother, 'Star Trek Enterprise' Executive Producer Manny Coto, to the disease, along with Lisa Niemi Swayze and Days of our Lives' Martha Madison and many of the cast of the show participated in PurpleStride Los Angeles.
'PanCAN provides critical resources, research, and support—and in doing so, gives the one thing John clung to most: hope,' said Joan Vassos. 'I walk in honor of John, alongside family and friends as Team 'It's Just a Sprain,' and I advocate so that no other family has to go through this terrible journey alone.'
Notable celebrities showed up to walk and support PanCAN's mission in several cities across the country:
At PurpleStride Washington D.C, Reality star and advocate, Joan Vassos led her team 'It's Just A Sprain' in honor of her late husband, John, who passed away from the disease in 2021.
At PurpleStride Los Angeles, Daytime TV stars Martha Madison from Days of our Lives and many of the Days' cast members formed their own PurpleStride team, 'Hogey's Home Runners' in honor of TV's greatest hero—and their on-screen dad—Drake Hogestyn, who portrayed John Black. After losing Drake to pancreatic cancer, they came together at PurpleStride Los Angeles to raise funds and awareness in his memory.
Other notable celebrities at PurpleStride Los Angeles included:
Lisa Niemi Swayze: Writer, director, actress, dancer and wife of the late actor, Patrick Swayze, who passed from pancreatic cancer. Lisa cut the purple ribbon at PurpleStride Los Angeles. Star Trek Team: Once again leading the charge for team 'Trek Against Pancreatic Cancer' are the inspiring Kitty Swink, a 21-year pancreatic cancer survivor from 'Deep Space Nine', John Billingsley ('Star Trek: Enterprise') and TV writer-producer Juan Carlos Coto, who lost his brother, 'Star Trek Enterprise' Executive Producer Manny Coto, to the disease. This dedicated team boldly went where they've gone before and participated in their fifth PanCAN PurpleStride! Rosa Blasi, Actress ('The Thundermans') 'Days of Our Lives' cast members including: Brandon Beemer, Raven Bowens, Heather Boyd, Rachel Boyd, Bryan Datillo, Kennedy Garcia, Alice Halsey, Tina Huang, Cherie Jimenez, Abigail Klein, Victoria Konefal, Dan Feuerriegel, John Paul Lavoisier, Stephen Nichols, Shi Ne Nielson, Ashley Puzemis
Notable individuals who have succumbed to pancreatic cancer in recent years include Jeopardy! host Alex Trebek, talk show host Jerry Springer, Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, producer Quincy Jones and U.S. Representative John Lewis, to name a few
Donations can still be made by visiting purplestride.org. PanCAN PurpleStride is generously supported by leading national partner, Revolution Medicines, and national sponsors Ipsen and AbbVie. For more information about the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network and its urgent mission to save lives, visit pancan.org or follow PanCAN on X, Instagram, and Facebook.
The Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCAN) is the leading organization dedicated to advancing progress against pancreatic cancer. We empower patients and caregivers with the resources and knowledge they need to advocate for the care they deserve; we are pioneering the advancement of an early detection strategy for pancreatic cancer and revolutionizing the development of advanced and personalized treatments; and we are building and mobilizing the pancreatic cancer field to ensure better outcomes for all those who face pancreatic cancer today and all those who will fight this disease tomorrow.
Media Contacts:Stephanie Berman, Smithhouse Strategy, 917-617-5667, stephanie@smithhousestrategy.comJulie Vasquez, PanCAN, 310-697-9129, jvasquez@pancan.org

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

NEDHSA to host JiggAerobics event
NEDHSA to host JiggAerobics event

Malaysian Reserve

time3 days ago

  • Malaysian Reserve

NEDHSA to host JiggAerobics event

MONROE, La., June 6, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Northeast Delta Human Services Authority (NEDHSA) is hosting its seventh JiggAerobics event beginning at 6 p.m. June 12 at Monroe Downtown River Market, 316 S. Grand St. NEDHSA Executive Director Dr. Monteic A. Sizer said the event provides a fun and upbeat activity for individuals of all ages and fitness levels. 'Fitness plays an important role in mental health and, when coupled with proper exercise, is a strong predictor of positive health outcomes,' Dr. Sizer said. 'By hosting events such as JiggAerobics, we are providing an opportunity for citizens of northeast Louisiana to engage in healthy activities and learn about the interconnectedness of their mental and physical health.' The event is part of NEDHSA's #getfitHSA initiative, which supports NEDHSA's integrated care model by increasing access to healthy activities and informing communities about the importance of staying fit and active. Data shows that heart disease, obesity and other physical illnesses are correlated with various forms of trauma, stress and mental illness, Dr. Sizer said. The event will be led by JiggAerobics founder LaDonte Lotts, also known as 'Mr. Get Right.' The dance-based fitness program fuses jigging — an energetic Louisiana dance style — with Lotts' dance moves and numerous plyometric exercises. NEDHSA consistently works to understand the unique health care needs of the citizens of Northeast Louisiana. 'Once we understand the needs and wishes of the people, we actively put programs and services in place to help meet people where they are,' Dr. Sizer said. Register for free tickets at

Nuvia's Chief Clinical Officer, Dr. Preston Hansen, Featured as May Cover Story in CXO Magazine
Nuvia's Chief Clinical Officer, Dr. Preston Hansen, Featured as May Cover Story in CXO Magazine

Malaysian Reserve

time3 days ago

  • Malaysian Reserve

Nuvia's Chief Clinical Officer, Dr. Preston Hansen, Featured as May Cover Story in CXO Magazine

SALT LAKE CITY, June 6, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Nuvia Dental Implant Center's Chief Clinical Officer, Dr. Preston Hansen, has been featured as the May 2025 cover story of CXO Magazine—a global leadership magazine spotlighting industry changemakers. In the article titled 'Transforming Healthcare Through Life-Changing Patient Experiences,' Dr. Hansen shares his journey from a young dental student to now leading a monumental change in the dental implant industry with a new approach to full mouth restorations. The feature highlights just how groundbreaking Nuvia's process is. The ability to deliver permanent full-mouth dental implants just 24 hours after surgery is disrupting traditional care methods that have hardly been innovated for decades. With a new approach, Nuvia is restoring smiles, changing lives, and re-imagining the patient experience. In the Feature CXO covers Dr. Hansen's surgical background, his passion for patient care, and Nuvia's commitment to giving patients the smiles they've always wanted in a timeframe that not only promotes healing, but is extremely convenient for patients. Dr. Hansen shares about what treatment is like saying, 'We built everything around one promise: give people back their smiles and their lives in a way that's fast, safe, and predictable'. With a team of oral surgeons, restorative dentists, CRNAs, and in-house lab technicians, Nuvia has created a rare dental implant experience that prioritizes safety and comfort so patients never have to question if they're in good hands. The feature also distinguishes between the old and new method of approaching dental implants, emphasizing that Nuvia patients aren't given a temporary set of teeth after their dental implants are placed. The CXO feature also highlights Nuvia's recent national recognitions, including: 'Dental Restoration Company of the Year' — Awarded by Healthcare Business Review for both 2024 and 2025 99.13% implant success rate Thousands of lives transformed through a 24-hour permanent smile process 'Traditional treatment plans can take months or even years' Dr. Hansen says in the article. 'Our approach delivers a permanent solution in 24 hours—with fewer appointments, less downtime, and far more predictability.' To see first hand stories from Nuvia patients, check out Nuvia TV. About Nuvia Dental Implant Center Nuvia exclusively does full-mouth dental implants delivered with permanent teeth in just 24 hours—not temporary dentures. With a highly coordinated team approach, advanced imaging, and an in-house lab, Nuvia provides a safe, fast, and predictable alternative to traditional implant methods. With multiple U.S. locations and thousands of life-changing procedures completed each year, Nuvia is offering a proven, one and done treatment for those with missing or failing teeth. Media Contact: marketing@

Wild About Sprouts® Celebrates World Food Safety Day with Breakthrough Cold-Grown® Technology That Redefines Safety and Nutrition
Wild About Sprouts® Celebrates World Food Safety Day with Breakthrough Cold-Grown® Technology That Redefines Safety and Nutrition

Malaysian Reserve

time3 days ago

  • Malaysian Reserve

Wild About Sprouts® Celebrates World Food Safety Day with Breakthrough Cold-Grown® Technology That Redefines Safety and Nutrition

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz., June 6, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — In honor of World Food Safety Day June 7, Wild About Sprouts® is shining a spotlight on its revolutionary Cold-Grown® process—an all-natural, patented innovation that has redefined food safety standards in the sprouting industry. With over 25 million containers sold pathogen-free and never part of any recall over its 8+ years, Wild About Sprouts is the only national sprout brand in the U.S., now proudly available in over 7,000 grocery stores across the country. Sprouts are among the most powerful, studied, and nutrient-dense superfoods on the planet. Yet for decades, their potential has been limited by persistent food safety concerns. Wild About Sprouts has solved that problem. Its Cold-Grown® process eliminates the risk of dangerous pathogens without the use of pesticides, herbicides, or chemical intervention, and uses 95% less water than traditional growing systems—making it one of the most sustainable solutions in fresh food today. 'At Wild About Sprouts, food safety isn't a feature—it's the foundation,' said Barry Didato, CEO of Rä Foods, parent company of Wild About Sprouts. 'Our patented Cold-Grown® method is changing the way America eats—combining breakthrough safety with unmatched nutrition, delivering sprouts that contain up to 100 times more antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals than fully grown vegetables. Backed by over 2,000 studies, sprouts—especially broccoli sprouts—are rich in sulforaphane, a proven compound that supports the body's natural detox pathways, helps fight cancer, reduces inflammation, and shows promise in managing conditions like autism, diabetes, and neurodegenerative disease.' Observed every year on June 7, World Food Safety Day highlights the importance of safe, accessible food for all. Wild About Sprouts is proud to lead this charge—proving that innovation can make clean, nutrient-packed, fresh foods not just possible, but scalable. 'Wild About Sprouts has not only innovated with its Cold-Grown® technology—they've demonstrated an uncompromising commitment to public health,' said Dr. Darin Detwiler, Food Safety Advocate, Professor and Author of Food Safety: Past, Present, and Predictions. 'In an era when consumers demand both transparency and accountability, this company offers a clear model of how science and responsibility can align to create safer, more sustainable food systems. As we recognize World Food Safety Day, this kind of leadership is precisely what our food system needs to move from reaction to prevention.' Whether tossed in a salad, layered on a sandwich, or blended into smoothies, Wild About Sprouts products offer an easy and delicious way to boost everyday nutrition—safely. For more information, visit or follow us on Instagram at @wild_about_sprouts. Wild About Sprouts is available at major retailers including Kroger, Walmart, Whole Foods Market, Sprouts Farmers Market, Albertsons, and many more. About Wild About Sprouts®Founded in 2016 and based in Scottsdale, Arizona, Wild About Sprouts is transforming the sprout industry with its science-backed, Cold-Grown® technology. As part of Rä Foods, a family office dedicated to better-for-you innovations, Wild About Sprouts is on a mission to deliver safe, delicious, nutrient-dense foods that Make America Healthy Again—one sprout at a time.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into the world of global news and events? Download our app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store