STAR TREK Luminaries Reunite To Fight Pancreatic Cancer In This Year's PurpleStride

Prominent figures from the Star Trek universe have once again come together to reignite their fight against pancreatic cancer. The Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCAN) has announced that actors Jonathan Frakes, Armin Shimerman, Kitty Swink, and John Billingsley, alongside Juan Carlos Coto, executive producer of ABC's "9-1-1," will lead the charge in the upcoming PanCAN PurpleStride event. 

This initiative marks a significant effort to end the devastating impact of pancreatic cancer, a disease that has personally affected each member of the team.

Scheduled for April 27, 2024, the PanCAN PurpleStride will take place in Los Angeles and concurrently in nearly 60 other communities across the United States. The event, which stands as PanCAN's premier fundraising venture, encourages supporters from all walks of life to participate and contribute to the ongoing battle against this disease. Under the captaincy of Kitty Swink, a 20-year pancreatic cancer survivor, the team has already raised over $100,000 for the cause.

This year's event holds particular significance for the "Trek Against Pancreatic Cancer" team, as it welcomes new member Juan Carlos Coto, who joins in memory of his brother, Manny Coto, a fellow executive producer of Star Trek: Enterprise, who succumbed to the disease in 2023. The cause is deeply personal for each team member: Frakes lost his brother Daniel over two decades ago, Billingsley's mother was a victim of the disease, and Shimerman has been a steadfast supporter of his wife, Swink, through her survival journey.

Reflecting on her battle with pancreatic cancer, Swink shared, “Twenty years ago, I faced a daunting diagnosis. Today, I stand here grateful to be a survivor. My story may be uncommon, but I share it to offer hope. Together, we're stronger. No one should fight this battle alone.”

Jonathan Frakes expressed his commitment to the cause, stating, “Pancreatic cancer took my best friend, my brother Daniel, far too soon. That devastating experience showed me the pain and fear a pancreatic cancer diagnosis brings to a family. It's why I remain dedicated to using my voice for action.”

The team's efforts resonate with the visionary ideals of Gene Roddenberry's Star Trek—a future free of disease and suffering, brimming with hope and unlimited possibilities. The PanCAN PurpleStride event embodies these ideals, rallying the Star Trek family and supporters nationwide to contribute to a future where every pancreatic cancer patient thrives.

To join the fight against pancreatic cancer or to support the team, participants and donors are encouraged to visit www.PurpleStride.org/teamtrek. With approximately 70,000 expected participants, the event aims to raise awareness and funds crucial for advancing research, increasing survival rates, and supporting those affected by pancreatic cancer.

In light of recent statistics revealing a gradual increase in the five-year survival rate for pancreatic cancer—from 7% to 13% over the past decade—the need for continued funding and research remains urgent. PanCAN's mission is more vital than ever, as it endeavors to improve outcomes for those impacted by this challenging disease.

For more information on PanCAN's life-saving initiatives or to register for a PanCAN PurpleStride event, please visit www.purplestride.org or follow PanCAN on social media.