A MESSAGE FROM Andrea Kaniuka's Fundraising Page
I lost my dad, Ted, unexpectedly to pancreatic cancer on July 26, 2025, less than two months after he was diagnosed. My dad’s rapid decline was heartbreaking and underscored how shockingly and swiftly pancreatic cancer can blindside families like mine. There is no early detection or screening test for pancreatic cancer, and pancreatic cancer is usually asymptomatic until the disease has spread. Most pancreatic cancer is inoperable, and the five year survival rate is just 13%.
This November, I’m running the New York City Marathon with Project Purple to honor my dad’s legacy and help other families navigate this aggressive and devastating disease.
My dad instilled a love of running in me as a kid. Whether it was an early morning 5K before we headed off to school and work, helping me carb load before a cross country meet in high school, or cheering me on at the finish line for both of my half marathons, running brought my dad and I together. I can’t think of a better reason to come out of my “running retirement” than to run in his honor.
Every dollar I raise towards my $6,000 goal will go toward Project Purple’s mission to advance research for early detection, raise awareness, and support patients and their families who are impacted by pancreatic cancer.
Thank you for supporting me and helping me find purpose in my grief.
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