Please consider helping me in supporting Project Purple for the 2025 Javelina Jundred! At the beginning of 2020, our mom, Pam Drew, was diagnosed with Pancreatic Cancer. Mom was a dedicated friend, neighbor, sister and mother who had recently retired from over 35 years of school teaching. She was very much looking forward to many years traveling and spending time with her granddaughters. However, after receiving this diagnosis (which was at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic) she decided to move to Oregon to be closer to us, and to undergo treatment at OHSU in Portland. While this was not the retirement Mom wanted at all, we were grateful for the year we got to spend with her here in Oregon.
Mom's treatment plan was well-developed and had the dedication of a best-in-class team. However, because of the nature of Pancreatic Cancer, there wasn't much time to do a ton of research or trial many treatments. We committed to helping Mom feel supported in her journey, which had its share of peaks and valleys.
On treatment days, we would bring Mom to the hospital and wait for her until her appointments were over. Because we couldn't sit with her during this time (ugh, covid), I'd run many many miles on the SW Waterfront as it was a way to help me process all that was going on and think about ways we could better support Mom. Running can often feel lonely, but along the way I had dear friends that would often join to offer a steady hand and companionship.
For those of you who are familiar with the running community, you know we are one big family, and lean on each other regularly for support and encouragement. Over the next few years, I started running more and more, and completed my first 100k run at Javelina in 2023. I wasn't sure i'd be able to run that far, but we did it! This year, I'm heading back to Javelina , and this time it's to attempt running 100 miles (on October 31, 2025). However hard this journey will be, it will be nothing compared to what Mom endured in her last few months with us. In an attempt to persevere during this journey and, in tandem, raise awareness in our Mother's memory, I've agreed to fundraise for Project Purple.
Project Purple is a non-profit organization empowering the fight against pancreatic cancer, and committed to raising awareness, driving crucial research, and providing aid for patients who are battling this disease. Read more here about Project Purple's impact since 2010. Rated 97% on Charity Navigator, this Connecticut-based organization brings top-notch impact and education.
Please consider making a contribution to our cause! We have until October 11th this year to hit our goal.
Offline Payment Instructions
If you would like to donate to this fundraiser offline please follow the directions below to ensure it supports their charity bib. *
*Please note all mailed checks, matching gifts, or donor directed funds must be made out to Wander Project. Once we receive them they will be added to their fundraiser for this designated charity. Please include the first and last name of the fundraiser you are supporting so we can ensure your donation is matched to the correct person.
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Wander Project is a U.S. tax-exempt 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. All donations are tax-deductible to the furthest extent of the law. Tax ID 83-1778644
