Middleton residents bravely battle rain, amassing over $115,000 for pancreatic cancer study endeavors
In a bid to combat pancreatic cancer, a disease with dismal survival rates, the UW Carbone Cancer Center's Pancreas Cancer Task Force hosted its annual Roll & Stroll event at Capital Brewery in Middleton, WI. Despite the rain, hundreds of participants attended the event, contributing to a total fundraising of over $115,000 for pancreatic cancer research.
Dr. Noelle LoConte, a medical oncologist at the center, emphasized the importance of the event and the need for awareness. She urged anyone experiencing unexplained abdominal pain, unexplained weight loss, rapid onset of difficult-to-control diabetes, yellowing of the eyes or skin (jaundice), to seek medical attention promptly. Early detection of pancreatic cancer significantly improves outcomes, she noted.
The funds raised from the Roll & Stroll event are crucial in supporting the Task Force's mission. The Task Force is a specialized group focused on advancing pancreatic cancer research and supporting patients affected by this disease. The funds are used to fund groundbreaking research at UW Carbone Cancer Center aimed at improving understanding and treatment of pancreatic cancer.
The impact of the Task Force and Roll & Stroll event includes providing resources and support for patients and their families fighting pancreatic cancer, raising awareness of the severity of pancreatic cancer, which is the third leading cause of cancer death in the U.S., and strengthening community involvement and engagement in the pancreatic cancer fight.
One such patient who attended the event is Kathe Blakeslee, a local survivor. Diagnosed with pancreatic cancer three years ago, Blakeslee credits her faith, family, friends, and care team at UW Carbone Cancer Center for her strength and support. Each day is a gift for Blakeslee, and she chooses to be happy instead of dwelling on the hard times.
The encouraging progress in pancreatic cancer research was also highlighted by Dr. LoConte. In the time of the Roll & Stroll event, five-year survival for pancreatic cancer has over doubled and is close to tripling. This year, the number of pancreatic cancer survivors is the highest ever recorded.
For more information about pancreatic cancer research and upcoming initiatives, visit the UW Carbone Cancer Center's website. The center is committed to supporting patients and their families, advancing research, and raising awareness about this deadly cancer.
Dr. Noelle LoConte, a medical oncologist at the UW Carbone Cancer Center, stressed the significance of early detection for pancreatic cancer, advising individuals who experience any of the following symptoms – unexplained abdominal pain, unexplained weight loss, rapid onset of difficult-to-control diabetes, yellowing of the eyes or skin (jaundice) – to seek immediate medical attention, as early detection significantly improves outcomes. The funds raised from the Roll & Stroll event will be directed towards supporting the Task Force's mission, which primarily focuses on advancing pancreatic cancer research and providing resources for patients and their families. The research conducted at the UW Carbone Cancer Center aims to improve the understanding and treatment of pancreatic cancer, contributing to improved health-and-wellness outcomes for patients and a potential reduction in medical-conditions related to the disease.
