Meriden Man Passionate about Raising Awareness of Pancreatic Cancer

More than 1,000 locals will join the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network on Saturday, June 21 for PurpleStride Connecticut, the annual 5K walk and timed run to raise funds and awareness about pancreatic cancer, the fourth leading cause of cancer death in the United States.

"I am deeply committed to promoting awareness and providing hope to those who have been touched by this insidious disease," said Mitch Christopoulos of Meriden. "My wife Jobie was diagnosed in October 2010 and she passed away just ten days later." He added “The pancreas is so difficult to access because of its location in the body. Most cases are diagnosed way too late when the cancer has already spread to other organs.”

Pancreatic tumors are often surrounded by dense tissue that render drugs useless. Surgery is the only treatment known to cure pancreatic cancer, but less than 20 percent of cases are operable.

Mitch will be joined by family and friends who comprise "Team Jobie" in memory of his wife and her brief battle with pancreatic cancer. Christopoulos said, "I volunteer to help raise funds for research and also to increase awareness in my community." Adding, "I enjoy seeing patients, families, caregivers and survivors support each other at our annual event because Hope is so important when dealing with the second leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States."

All those who would like to join the fight are invited to attend the event at Hubbard Park in Meriden. The event will include music, refreshments and other family-friendly festivities. In 2013, over 1,100 people attended and over $120,000 was raised for research!

Registration begins at 8 a.m., Opening Ceremonies at 9:30 a.m. and the run/walk at 10:00 a.m. To register, visit: http://www.purplestride.org/connecticut.