PanCAN PurpleStride is more than an event, it’s a powerful reminder that our mission is far from over. Nearly 63,000 people attended a PurpleStride event on Saturday, April 26, and took steps to end pancreatic cancer! Let’s harness the momentum of this day and use it as a springboard to an even greater impact on our communities.

Over the past few months, many of us may have felt a shift in energy or priorities from our supporters. The devastating news of federal budget cuts to cancer research didn’t help morale. If your affiliate experience was anything like ours, things were quiet – until mid-March, when the energy suddenly shifted. Registrations picked up. Fundraising began. The buzz returned.

And now, here we are – our “wedding day.” All the hard work, planning and uncertainty fade the moment we stand together at the start line or gather near the stage. In that moment, surrounded by hundreds (maybe thousands) of others who believe in the same cause, we remember why we do this. It’s inspiring. And just like that … it’s over.

So – what now?

This year, early estimates for PanCAN PurpleStride fundraising have already reached an impressive $16.6 million – and this number is still growing! With more people being diagnosed and less support from the federal government, what we do as volunteers is so important, now more than ever!

This is our opportunity to show people that while PurpleStride isn’t all we do, much of what we do is possible because of PurpleStride. Now is the time to guide our community forward – to keep the momentum alive.

Here are a few ways to continue building on the energy of PurpleStride:

1. Have a Vision – Even If It’s Still Evolving

Set a goal for the months ahead, even if it's not finalized. Are you focusing on volunteer recruitment? Building out your support base? Enhancing survivor engagement? Start with a direction and bring your team into that conversation. Let them chime in on your ideas because we all need to travel on the same path.

2. Host a Post-PurpleStride Gathering – As Soon As Possible

Bring your community back together quickly. Whether it’s a casual social event or a short affiliate meeting, it’s important to reconnect while the energy is still high. Encourage key PurpleStride players – team captains, sponsors, survivors – to attend a Hope into Action: All About Becoming a PanCAN Volunteer session on May 15th or May 16th. You can find a printable flier about these sessions on Volunteer Central.

Better yet, consider hosting a watch party to add a layer of connection and collaboration.

Another meeting to share with your supporters: the bimonthly Mission & Community Action Team (MCAT). The next meeting will take place in July so keep your eyes peeled for the details so you can share the information about this particularly important component in our affiliates.

3. Talk About Volunteer Opportunities – Clearly and Strategically

Now is the time to speak openly about where your affiliate needs support: PurpleStride, Mission initiatives or community outreach.

Ensure you have tasks for everyone – no matter how much time they have to offer. Work to keep people engaged in the ways that work for them and focus less on filling leadership roles. If leadership roles are already filled, ask your volunteer leaders to share a brief list of current needs or their vision for their area. If you are the affiliate chair, lead by example and share your own vision with transparency and excitement.

4. Consider “Dynamic Duos” for Volunteer Roles

Many people are eager to help but hesitate to take on a full role alone – and that’s okay. Encourage supporters to partner with a friend or family member to co-lead an activity or area. If you notice two people who seem like a great match, suggest it. Shared responsibility reduces pressure and increases follow-through.

5. Follow Up Thoughtfully

After initial conversations, check in. A phone call or personalized email goes a long way. Sometimes people express interest in the moment but realize later they can’t commit – and that’s perfectly fine. We’re not assigning chores; we’re cultivating meaningful, lasting engagement.

PurpleStride is a launchpad – not a finish line.

The momentum we gain after PurpleStride is nothing short of magical – but it can fade quickly. As life inevitably pulls people in different directions, our cause risks slipping through the cracks. That’s why now is the time to speak up, to remind everyone just how vital it is to stay engaged with PanCAN’s mission. Let’s carry this energy forward. Let’s show our communities that the strides we take together today will shape the impact we make tomorrow.