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| Mark Kramer at the Boston Marathon |
Mark Kramer is no stranger to long distance running. In the photo to the left, the Lindenhurst man has a big smile on his face because he’s about to cross the finish line at the Boston Marathon! He’s also smiling, because he knows he’s just raised nearly 10-thousand dollars to help fight pancreatic cancer.
It’s a cause that’s important to his family. Ten years ago, the disease took his father-in-law, Mort Shorris. Then about six years later, Mark got a phone call from his Mother that he’ll never forget. His Mom, Nancy, was also diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.
“When she told me that, I ended up literally sitting down on the shopping mall stairs and ended up a crying mess in public,” recalled Mark. He knew about the severity of the disease after watching it take his father-in-law.
Kramer had already heard the statistics, stating that fewer than 5% of people diagnosed with pancreatic cancer live more than 5 years after diagnosis. Mark’s father-in-law fought hard and lived for 7 years after diagnosis.
Nancy fought hard as well. The breast cancer survivor had already beat cancer once. But after 3 ½ years of chemotherapy to fight the pancreatic cancer, Nancy passed away. She was just short of her 70th birthday.
“She wanted to be so involved in her grandkids life,” Mark said. “And that was the hardest part is that she knew she wouldn’t be there for their life events. She wouldn’t be there for their weddings… wouldn’t be there that way.”
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| Nancy Kramer with Mark's daughters Brianna and Mindy |
Mark Kramer is now working to help get word out about pancreatic cancer research and detection. He’s excited about an upcoming “Pancreatic Cancer Symposium” in Chicago that will help do just that.
“The occurrence of breast cancer isn’t much higher than pancreatic cancer,” said Mark. “ But there are more survivors so you hear about it more. So that’s why we need to get the word out and the symposium is a great way.”
Patients and survivors are invited to the symposium to learn about treatment options, diet and nutrition and genetics of the disease.
“There are no early detection methods and limited treatment options,” said Melissa Talon of the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, “but there is hope.”
And that’s why Mark Kramer runs-- to raise awareness, to raise money and to raise hope for a cure.
UPCOMING EVENTS IN CHICAGO:
Friday, April 15
Hyatt Regency at 151 E. Wacker, Chicago
9:00 a.m. to 4:45 p.m.
Saturday, April 30
Montrose Harbor, Chicago
9:45 a.m.
For more information on pancreatic cancer and to find out how to get involved,
visit the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network
3 comments:
This disease has to be one of the most painful to watch a family member go through. Prayers and wishes to Mark and his family.
Is there any way we can sponsor Mark directly if we can't attend these events?
Thanks Jessica! You are right that this is a painful disease for both the victim and the family. My Father-in-law and Mom both suffered as they fought. However, we are very greatful for the extra time we had.
I am currently not collecting money for a race (this was last year Boston Marathon). However, if you want to help, please go to www.pancan.org and you can make a donation to help.
Thanks again
Mark Kramer
Hi Jessica,
The Pancreatic Cancer Network also offers TEAMHOPE. TEAMHOPE allows people to train for an event like a marathon while raising funds and awareness for the fight against pancreatic cancer. Visit www.iamteamhope.org to learn more.
Best,
Melissa Talon
Media Representative, Pancreatic Cancer Action Network – Chicago
mtalon@pancanvolunteer.org
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