Many people involved with the cause of pancreatic cancer are using PanCAN’s Wage Hope My Way program to raise money and awareness for pancreatic cancer through running marathons. This offers several valuable benefits for both volunteers and PanCAN. Training for a marathon is challenging, but knowing these efforts benefit an important personal cause motivates runners. It transforms the physical and mental struggle into a meaningful pursuit, connecting personal goals with societal impact.

Running for charity helps amplify visibility for important causes. Participants act as ambassadors, sharing stories, wearing branded gear, engaging with others, and spreading awareness among diverse communities. Marathons also provide a unique platform for fundraising. Individuals can leverage personal networks to collect donations, often inspiring contributions from those who may not have otherwise been exposed to our cause.

Many charity runners build communities of like-minded individuals. These networks provide both emotional support during training and a sense of camaraderie on race day. Running can provide emotional healing because marathon participation often aligns with a personal experience, such as honoring or remembering a loved one. The physical effort required fosters resilience, discipline, and self-confidence.

Hannah Skelton’s journey with running began when she ran her first 5k at age 11 to support PanCAN PurpleStride, shortly after her father was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. Over time, running became a form of healing after their father’s passing, helping her build a supportive community. She noted that “marathons are mentally challenging, but the pain of running pales in comparison to undergoing chemotherapy or losing a loved one. The encouragement and support of the crowd was deeply moving, and that support was present for all 26.2 miles!” She also reflected that running the New York Marathon for PanCAN was deeply fulfilling. “Running the NYC Marathon was one of the most meaningful experiences of my life. My dad would be proud of my efforts and the funding we raised,” said Hannah.

Many marathon runners describe the mental endurance needed to complete such a challenging race, and this often serves as a metaphor for the challenges faced by those affected by pancreatic cancer, fostering empathy and deeper personal connections with the cause. Seeing the direct impact of the funds raised – whether through research, patient support, or advocacy – provides immense fulfillment and reinforces the importance of giving back through physical efforts.

Another PanCAN volunteer, Zach Opperman, shared his personal journey with pancreatic cancer, beginning when his mother-in-law was diagnosed a week before he ran the Richmond Marathon. He shared both the practical and the emotional impacts of running for PanCAN. According to Zach, “The structure of training for the marathon helps give you dedicated time for yourself. Having a training plan is an excellent way to manage stress, not just physically; it helps you mentally and allows you to focus on a goal and have something to work towards.”

Philosophically, Zach thinks about the last marathon he ran a week after his mother-in-law was diagnosed. “I remember at mile 23 feeling really horrible and just thinking about all of the strength that you need to face this disease and this diagnosis, both emotionally and physically. It’s a smaller scale, but you must push through all that physical pain and discomfort to finish a marathon.”

PanCAN runners often inspire others to take action – whether by donating, volunteering, or participating in future events – creating a ripple effect that extends the reach of the cause.

PanCAN offers several opportunities to participate in marathons as part of the PanCAN Team – in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, and Washington, D.C. To learn more, contact Brooke Caviglia, Associate Director, Innovative Fundraising, at bcaviglia@pancan.org.