Purple Stride Milwaukee to wage hope and end pancreatic cancer is this Saturday, June 24th at Miller Park

Purple Stride Milwaukee is a 5K run and 2 mile walk at Miller Park will be held this year on Saturday, June 24th.

Registration begins as 8 a.m. But folks have been known to line up as early as 7 in the morning. 

"People will dress up in crazy costumes with purple," organizer Steve Lipshetz tells CBS 58 News. "We have a children's play area. Bernie Brewer will show up. Snow cones for the kids and Miller Park allows for tailgating after the event".

The statistics are grim.

A pancreatic cancer patient is considered a survivor from the time of diagnosis.

It is the 3rd leading cause of cancer death in the United States  and the 5 year survival rate increased to 9% this year.

"The problem is we don't have early detection test," explained Lipshetz. "By the time someone is diagnosed they are stage four. It's a very difficult disease to treat."

Among those participating is cancer survivor Mary Koch who will be running this year.

She says it is exciting to give back to a cause and group, The Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, because of the support and guidance they have provided her over the course of her battle.

More than 53,000 Americans will be diagnosed with pancreatic cancer this year. 

To learn more call 877-2-PANCAN or click here