Community Corner
Pancreatic Cancer Survivor Joins PurpleRide
The biking fundraiser Sunday, Sept. 18 at Elm Creek Regional Park in Maple Grove is geared at promoting awareness and raise funds for pancreatic cancer research.
Pancreatic cancer survivor 74-year-old Craig Vollmer joins the 1,200 riders for annual PurpleRide Twin Cities 2011 at Sunday, Sept. 18. It is the sixth year the Twin Cities Affiliate of the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network hosts the event.
Vollmer was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in January 2010 and has exceeded his six to ten month life expectancy, or what he refers to as his “expiration date”.
“Every day is a bonus,” said Vollmer.
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A former avid bike rider, Vollmer recently took his 20-year-old purple bike out of the garage to make his debut at this year’s PurpleRide.
“The old saying is true, you never forget how to ride a bike, but you do forget how to get off of the bike,” Vollmer jokes about forgetting to take his feet out of the bike pedal straps before getting off of his bike.
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Volunteers plan the PurpleRide each year. Whether a rider or watcher, the event offers a variety of activities. Registration begins at 8 a.m. with three different ride lengths available for riders and spectators are able to watch. The 50-mile ride starts at 8 a.m., followed by a 25-mile ride at 10 a.m. and an 8-mile ride at 11 a.m. Following the ride, spectators and riders can join in family activities, raffles and a closing ceremony. Preregistration can be done at www.purpleride.org
“PurpleRide events provide an opportunity for participants to join the fight against pancreatic cancer while enjoying a day of bike riding, entertainment, food and inspiration,” PurpleRide representative Miranda Wren said.
“For participants, it is a journey toward hope that is filled with inspiration," she said. "It is a time to honor loved ones fighting pancreatic cancer. It is a day when all of the family and friends of pancreatic cancer patients can come together in solidarity and gain both comfort and encouragement.”
Funds raised by participants are donated to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network to advance research, support patients and create hope for the pancreatic cancer community.
The PurpleRide has been held at since 2006.
More information: www.pancan.org or www.purpleride.org
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