JOAN VASSOS TO HONOR LATE HUSBAND AT PANCAN PURPLESTRIDE - THE ULTIMATE WALK TO END PANCREATIC CANCER - IN APRIL

Announcement Comes on Valentine's Day – Marking Six Years to the Day Since John Vassos' Pancreatic Cancer Diagnosis on Feb. 14, 2019

B-roll and photos available HERE

LOS ANGELES, Feb. 14, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCAN), the leading organization dedicated to advancing progress against pancreatic cancer, announced today that Joan Vassos will serve as an ambassador for PanCAN PurpleStride, the ultimate walk to end pancreatic cancer taking place in nearly 60 communities across the nation on April 26, 2025. In memory of her late husband, John Vassos, Joan has formed team "It's Just a Sprain," and will be a featured speaker at PurpleStride Washington D.C, raising awareness and funds to fuel PanCAN's mission to improve the lives of everyone impacted by pancreatic cancer.

Today, on Valentine's Day, Joan is officially announcing her team, "It's Just a Sprain," a name that holds special significance. "It's Just a Sprain," was born out of John's unwavering optimism. When he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer on February 14, 2019, he faced it with the same hopeful spirit, often saying, "It's just a sprain." To this day, friends and family still wear rubber bracelets bearing those words as a tribute to his resilience.

"Many of you know how important advocating for pancreatic cancer is to me," said Vassos. "My husband John was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer on Valentine's Day in 2019. Despite his valiant, courageous, and hopeful journey, he lost his battle on January 18, 2021. I am so grateful to partner with PanCAN, giving us the opportunity to honor John's memory in a way that would have been meaningful to him—by helping others."

Joan and her team will be participating in PurpleStride Washington D.C. The event takes place on Saturday, April 26, 2025, at Freedom Plaza and in nearly 60 other communities across the nation. Joan is calling on her fellow reality stars, friends and fans across the country to join her in the fight to end pancreatic cancer by donating to her team and participating in the walk. Vassos serves as team captain and has a goal of raising $100,000 for PanCAN.

PanCAN PurpleStride brings together survivors, caregivers, families, researchers, healthcare professionals, and supporters to raise critical funds and awareness to fuel its mission. The dollars raised change the lives of people facing pancreatic cancer and advance progress against the disease.

Pancreatic cancer remains the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States and is on track to become the second leading cause. It is the only major cancer with a five-year survival rate below 20%. Because symptoms are often vague and mimic other illnesses or conditions, most patients are diagnosed in the late stages of the disease. Finding a pancreatic tumor early, when it can be surgically removed, is critical for survival.

As one of the five most lethal cancers, pancreatic cancer, unlike lung, breast, prostate and colorectal cancer, is the only one that does not have a standard screening strategy highlighting the urgent need for increased research, funding and awareness to improve patient outcomes.

Notable individuals who have succumbed to pancreatic cancer in recent years include Jeopardy! host Alex Trebek, talk show host Jerry Springer, Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Quincy Jones and U.S. Representative John Lewis, to name a few.

For more information about the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network and its urgent mission to save lives, visit pancan.org or follow PanCAN on X, Instagram, and Facebook.

The Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCAN) is the leading organization dedicated to advancing progress against pancreatic cancer. We empower patients and caregivers with the resources and knowledge they need to advocate for the care they deserve; we are pioneering the advancement of an early detection strategy for pancreatic cancer and revolutionizing the development of advanced and personalized treatments; and we are building and mobilizing the pancreatic cancer field to ensure better outcomes for all those who face pancreatic cancer today and all those who will fight this disease tomorrow.

Media Contacts: Stephanie Berman, Vice President, Smithhouse Strategy; Direct: 917-617-5667, Email: [email protected]

SOURCE Pancreatic Cancer Action Network