By MOLLY DAVIDSON / Staff Writer

HOOVER—Pancreatic cancer is one of the most lethal cancers, with nearly 50,000 new cases each year and a five-year survival rate of just seven percent. But thanks to events such as the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network PurpleStride Birmingham, the statistics are beginning to change.

The fifth annual PanCan PurpleStride hosted by UAB Medicine is returning to Hoover’s Veterans Park on April 23. The event opening ceremonies and festivities kick off at 9:30 a.m. with something for the whole family.

In addition to a 5K race and one-mile run/walk, food vendors will be serving up a variety of snacks and treats, and the popular local Cahaba Blue Band will provide live music. Proceeds from the PurpleStride benefit pancreatic cancer research and awareness efforts.

Last year’s PurpleStride drew nearly 800 participants and surpassed the event fundraising goal, bringing in more than $120,000.

“It’s a great family event, and you know it’s going to a great cause,” PurpleStride volunteer Russell Bedsole said. “There’s a direct correlation between the finances that are raised to finding a cure…more money leads to better treatment, which hopefully leads to a cure.”

Bedsole and his wife, Dena, have helped organize the PurpleStride for the past several years, and for the Alabaster couple, the event is far more than just a 5K. Both Russell and Dena have lost family members to pancreatic cancer, and have seen the devastating impact of the deadly disease.

“As a child, I remember how difficult going through that with my uncle was,” Russell said. “My wife’s father was diagnosed…(and) for a second time for me I saw how devastating pancreatic cancer was for families.”

Russell’s family was again impacted by pancreatic cancer when his uncle was diagnosed with the disease just months ago.

Along with supporting research into a cure for pancreatic cancer, the PurpleStride also brings together a community of support for pancreatic cancer survivors and those impacted by pancreatic cancer.

“You’ll find a nice blend (of participants),” Russell said. “Family and friends (impacted by pancreatic cancer), and then you’ll find others who just know about pancreatic cancer and want to support the fight.”

Each year, the event draws a number of survivors, Russell said, adding his recently diagnosed uncle plans to travel from Montgomery for the PurpleStride.

Each participant will receive a purple T-shirt, and survivors will receive a special white T-shirt and gift bag. Survivors can also gather in a designated “Survivor Tent,” and receive a massage from a certified massage therapist.

“We really want to honor them and make them feel special,” Russell said, adding “survivor” includes those who have beat pancreatic cancer and those who are still battling the disease. “We consider them all survivors.”

The PurpleStride is one of PanCan’s main events, and the Birmingham edition is one of 56 PurpleStride events held across the country.

PanCan is currently working toward raising $200 million for pancreatic cancer research by year 2020.

For more information and to sign up for the PurpleStride, visit Purplestride.org/birmingham.