Murfreesboro, TN — In a significant push to accelerate pancreatic cancer research, patient support, and advocacy, the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCAN) has announced a $1 Million Match Opportunity, allowing donations to be doubled dollar-for-dollar, up to $2,500 per gift. That could save someone who is close to you, because data shows Rutherford County is one of the top 5 pancreatic cancer counties in Tennessee.
Contributions made through PanCAN’s PurpleStride websites—including PurpleStride Tennessee—will receive the match, offering supporters the chance to maximize their impact in the fight against one of the deadliest cancers.
"Every dollar counts, and with this generous match opportunity, donors can double their impact," said Cody Filbert-Ayers, Community Engagement Coordinator for PanCAN. "This funding fuels groundbreaking research, provides vital resources to patients and their families, and strengthens our advocacy efforts to improve outcomes for all those affected."
PanCAN’s PurpleStride has long been recognized as the nation’s leading walk to end pancreatic cancer, bringing together thousands of survivors, families, and advocates to raise awareness and funds. With this new match opportunity, donations will go even further in supporting PanCAN’s mission.
Pancreatic Cancer in Tennessee
The match announcement comes as Rutherford County continues to see a rise in pancreatic cancer diagnoses. According to a broadcast on WGNS citing data from the National Institutes of Health and National Cancer Institute, the county now ranks among the top five in the state for reported cases.
Statewide, cancer remains the second leading cause of death in Tennessee, with over 193,000 residents diagnosed between 2015 and 2019. Of those, more than 71,000 lost their lives to malignant cancers, according to the Tennessee Department of Health. Pancreatic cancer ranked as the fourth most common cancer-related cause of death in the state, with lung cancer leading overall.
Get Involved
Tennesseans looking to make a difference can visit www.purplestride.org/tennessee to register for an upcoming PurpleStride event. Every donation made through PanCAN’s PurpleStride platform will be matched dollar-for-dollar, up to $2,500 per contribution.
PanCAN remains committed to changing the future of pancreatic cancer and invites the community to take action. "Join us today and help turn $1 into $2 in the fight against pancreatic cancer," the organization urges.
With Tennessee battling high rates of cancer-related deaths, advocates say every dollar, every step, and every voice matters in the effort to push research and support forward.
