Lace Up for a Cause: Help Fight Pancreatic Cancer with Project Purple

Marathon participants supporting Project Purple at a charity race.
Charity runners raising awareness for pancreatic cancer research.
DONATE TO PROJECT PURPLE

We are excited to once again welcome Project Purple as one of our official Hoag OC Marathon charity partners! As a non-profit organization founded in 2010, Project Purple has long been committed to fighting against pancreatic cancer. Their efforts to make an impact include patient support, research funding, and community outreach. As a result of their hard work, they have been able to contribute over $5 million to research, more than $1.5 million to patient aid programs that have helped 1,500+ families, and have sent 5,000 Blankets of Hope care packages to people fighting pancreatic cancer to keep them warm and show their support. Ultimately, the goal of this organization is to continue the fight against pancreatic cancer until they achieve a world free from this devastating disease.

Project Purple volunteer sharing a patient support story.

Directly Improving Patients’ Lives Through Aid

Facing pancreatic cancer can shift the center of a person’s life in an instant. For John Sangerman, that moment came suddenly. One day, routines felt familiar and steady; the next, he faced the uncertainty of a pancreatic cancer diagnosis. Suddenly, every part of his life, from work and family to daily tasks, required new adjustments, strength, and resolve.
 
Amid the fear and the unknown, John found support in unexpected places. A simple search for help led him to Project Purple’s Patient Financial Aid Program, a resource that provided not just financial relief, but guidance, reassurance, and the knowledge that he didn’t have to face this journey alone.
 
“It’s a tremendous help,” John explains. “The people I’ve spoken to… they’re genuine. The care that they give over the phone, their suggestions for other sorts of help… it’s been very much an inspiration.”

Moving The World OF RESEARCH FORWARD

Project Purple is also dedicated to keeping research moving forward. When research projects were disrupted due to administrative funding policy changes at major federal agencies, Project Purple stepped in to announce its Pancreatic Cancer Research Recovery Support Grant. This initiative provides up to two years of bridge or rescue funding for promising pancreatic cancer research projects that were once in jeopardy. Project Purple is preparing to announce the results of what will be a $1.5 million investment in research awarded to multiple studies.
 
This announcement builds on the momentum of a $750,000 grant to Hartford Healthcare to launch the largest pancreatic cancer screening program in the state of CT along with multiple major research investments in projects with Duke University School of Medicine.
Community member supporting pancreatic cancer awareness.

THE PROJECT PURPLE COMMUNITY NEEDS YOU!

These recent initiatives and all past programs are the result of the hard work of our community, which includes motivated and charitable endurance athletes such as our OC Marathon team. Whatever your experience level, we want you to be a part of this powerful group that is making an impact.

Runner Rebate Program

In an effort to make supporting Project Purple even more rewarding, we’re pleased to offer the Runner Rebate Program. Runners who commit to fundraising for this charity can receive a full refund of their registration fee by meeting the fundraising goals! Here’s how it works:
  • For the 5K, raise $150 and receive a 100% refund of your registration fees.
  • For the half marathon, raise $350 and get a 100% refund of your registration fees.
  • For the full marathon, raise $500 and you’ll receive a 100% refund of your registration fees.
  • For the 5K/Half Combo Crush, raise $650 and receive a 100% refund of your registration fees.
  • For the 5K/Full Combo Crush, raise $750 and receive a 100% refund of your registration fees.

By achieving these fundraising goals, you can run for free while making a difference for a cause that helps drive Purple Project’s mission forward.

Help us support Project Purple as they work to make the world a place free from pancreatic cancer. Register today and be a part of this remarkable cause. To donate or fundraise with Project Purple, please click the link below:

DONATE TO PROJECT PURPLE