The 2014 Pancreatic Cancer Purple Stride 5K was a huge success with over $200,000 raised to support pancreatic cancer awareness and research. The event, held Saturday, May 17 on NC State’s Centennial Campus, was organized by the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network. UNC Lineberger’s very own – TEAM UNC and the Der Lab Team – were the top two Purple Stride fundraising teams.
TEAM UNC was the number one team in both donations and participation. UNC Lineberger’s Autumn McRee, MD, assistant professor of medicine, and Tammy Triglianos, NP organized the 108 physicians, nurses, staff, patients and families who made up TEAM UNC. Together, they raised over $15,000.
UNC Lineberger member and professor of pharmacology, Channing Der, PhD, alongside members of his lab, also presented a strong team. Der Lab Team leader, Kirsten Bryant, PhD, was the second-highest individual fundraiser bringing in more than $10,000. Dr. Der proudly reports that Dr. Bryant also finished second overall among women in the 5K. Dr. Bryant participated in this year’s Purple Stride 5K in memory of her father who died from pancreatic cancer in March of 2013.
Both UNC Lineberger teams made a great showing at the Purple Stride 5K. Dr. McRee of TEAM UNC said, “It really was a great day to be from UNC!”
For more information on the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network visit PANCAN.