PurpleStride Raleigh-Durham 2010

     As many of you know, my friends, family and I will be participating in the PurpleStride 5K on November 7 to raise awareness and medical funding for pancreatic cancer.

Team Pauli's Girls last year - PurpleStride Atlanta

   Pancreatic cancer is something that I have become all too familiar with as my father has been fighting the disease for over 2 years now. Two years may not seem like a long time, but in the world of pancreatic cancer, a two-year survivor is almost unheard of (less than 6% of patients survive more than 5 years).  In my eyes, my Dad will always be a superhero.  But now, even doctors are astonished at his ability to bounce back from countless surgeries, chemo and radiation treatments. 

Me and Popsicle

    Over the past few months, my family has had to face some rather tough realities in response to the swift and unexpected decline in Dad's health.  I went home last weekend to visit Dad and was, once again, amazed by his resilience and optimism.  I remember him joking that when he decided he could shed a few pounds a few years ago, cancer was not his ideal diet of choice.  When looking through photos from a family vacation, I told Dad how handsome he looked in the traffic cone orange get up he was sporting.  His response, "You think that's handsome, you should see me work a courtroom!"  He is bravely coming to terms with the fact that he can no longer practice law, his career and passion for the past 30 years.  Yet, despite all the tribulations, Dad continues to demonstrate courage, dignity, and perseverance—the very virtues that he has instilled in my brother and me over the past 20+ years.

The Fam

   Now more than ever, I urge you to make a donation to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network in support of my father and the thousands of others affected by the disease.  Many have already made contributions, and, if you have, I am touched beyond words.  Every dollar makes a difference so please make a contribution and let's kick some Pancre-ass!