San Francisco PurpleStride Chair Alexandra Bogdan spoke with Paula Mukherjee about her passion for PanCAN’s mission and favorite moments from PanCAN PurpleStride. This interview has been edited for clarity and length.

Paula: What is your connection to PanCAN’s mission?

Alexandra: My mom, Lori, was diagnosed with stage IIB pancreatic cancer in July 2017 at age 60. After her diagnosis, she had the Whipple procedure, chemotherapy and radiation.

Five and a half years later, in January 2023, her oncologist reached out to say congratulations for surpassing the five-year milestone. Mom, being as superstitious as she was, didn’t want to hear that.

Just a month after that phone call, her cancer showed up again on a routine scan. She fought hard for another 18 months, determined to make the most of her time. In October 2024, she was called home.

A month prior to her original diagnosis, her first grandchild – my sister’s first child – was born. Because she was able to live and thrive for seven years, she saw the birth of five more grandchildren. That time with them was a gift, and it drives me to stay connected to PanCAN’s mission so other families might have more moments like ours.

Paula: I’d love to hear more about your mom.

I could talk for a long time about my mom, my best friend. She was the most loving mother and greatest source of support for us. Even while fighting pancreatic cancer, she put her kids and grandkids first. She nurtured not just her children and grandchildren, but anyone who needed a place to call home. She made space for everyone, and in doing so, created a true community around her.

She was funny as hell, stubborn in the best way, witty, sassy and always so much fun to be around.

She had a curiosity for the world and never stopped seeking new experiences. Two months before her diagnosis, we surprised her with a skydiving trip for her 60th birthday. She was terrified of heights but made the leap anyway.

She didn’t start traveling until later in life, but once she did, she became my travel buddy. We had so many adventures together – camping, backpacking, road trips, family vacations, Europe and Argentina. I feel so lucky to have shared those experiences with her.

One place she had always dreamed of visiting was Banff, in Alberta, Canada. Last August, when we could tell things were not looking good, we made it to Banff. Despite being on around-the-clock pain management, she was out there hiking, kayaking Lake Louise and taking in the views.

She’s the strongest woman I know. I will always admire her resilience and strength.

Paula: Did you know much about pancreatic cancer before your mom's diagnosis?

Alexandra: No, not at all. I didn’t know anyone else who was impacted by the disease. That was a big challenge. It was really overwhelming to learn about pancreatic cancer because most of the information you find is grim.

Now, I feel like I know so many people in my life – work colleagues, friends, family – who have been touched by pancreatic cancer, and I’ve come to learn that the number of diagnoses is on the rise.

Paula: How did you get started as a PanCAN volunteer?

Alexandra: After mom’s diagnosis in 2017, my sister and I came across PanCAN while researching pancreatic cancer and figuring out what support was available.

At first, we primarily used PanCAN as a source of information. In 2018, about a year after mom’s diagnosis and treatment, my family attended our first PanCAN PurpleStride. That day was joyful, overwhelming and so significant. After that, we made PurpleStride an annual tradition. We rallied bigger groups of family and friends each year to show up for Lori B’s Squad.

After mom’s cancer returned in 2023, I wanted to go beyond just attending and fundraising for PurpleStride.

I began volunteering with the San Francisco Affiliate after I connected with PanCAN staff partner Ariane Chapple. We chatted about my interests and experience, and after talking with the affiliate chair, Sue Popik, they encouraged me to consider serving as PurpleStride chair. After a few conversations, I was on board and excited to take on the opportunity.

I learned so much in my first year as PurpleStride chair. The role has given me the chance to connect with so many people in our community. Bringing survivors together, hearing people’s stories – that’s what it’s all about for me. It’s incredibly rewarding to hear how positive people’s experiences at PurpleStride have been.

Paula: How was your experience at PurpleStride this year?

Alexandra: After losing my mom in October 2024, I wasn't sure if I was going to be able to attend PurpleStride, much less lead it. But I felt supported by the San Francisco Affiliate, Sue, and Ariane; they truly understood what I was going through. I kept telling myself that showing up, in any capacity, would be better than nothing. And honestly, staying busy has helped me navigate my grief.

In the past, we showed up to celebrate Mom’s survival and watched her stand alongside others still fighting. But this year was hard. It felt heavy to show up in grief rather than in hope. Still, knowing how important this cause is, I wanted to be there.

In the days leading up to the event, Sue gently asked me if I’d consider going on stage to speak but left it up to me. Reflecting on the event with my new perspective, it struck me that while we do an excellent job celebrating survivors, we often don’t make enough space to honor those we’ve lost.

That realization moved me to share my mom’s story. Not just the story of her fight, but of my own gratitude for the years we had and my grief for the years we lost. I hoped to create a space where others who were grieving could feel seen. To let them know that their pain, their memories and their journeys matter just as much as the celebration of survivorship.

Moving forward, as PurpleStride chair, I want to ensure all perspectives are brought into the event planning process so that our entire community is represented.

Paula: What are your goals for PurpleStride 2026?

Alexandra: San Francisco hasn’t always had the same level of sponsorship support as other PurpleStride events, so that’s a top priority for me in 2026. I’d like to build stronger partnerships that can help fuel our mission.

I also want to focus on more community building and fundraising events prior to PurpleStride. By hosting more gatherings and fundraisers throughout the year, we can bring people together earlier, strengthen connections and grow the sense of belonging that makes PurpleStride so powerful.

Paula: What is your favorite part of PurpleStride every year?

Alexandra: For me, it’s all about community. Every year, there are people who come to PurpleStride for the first time, whether they’re facing a new diagnosis or honoring someone they’ve lost.

The most rewarding part is connecting one-on-one with them before event day and hearing their stories. Those conversations stick with me. We bond quickly through our shared experiences, and this allows us to provide strength and support to each other.

On event day, I look for them in the crowd, excited to give them a hug and see them face-to-face. Getting to make those connections, that’s my favorite part of the day.

Please feel free to contact Alexandra Bogdan (abogdan@pancanvolunteer.org) or Paula Mukherjee (pmukherjee@pancan.org) with any questions.