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How One Franchise Owner Is Raising Awareness of Pancreatic Cancer

Author: FASTSIGNS® of Midtown Denver, CO
the fastsigns of midtown denver team at a purple stride walk

After FASTSIGNS® of Midtown Denver, CO franchise owner, Andrea Hair, lost her mother to pancreatic cancer eight years ago, she chose to become involved with Pancreatic Cancer Action Network to raise awareness about this disease. The Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCAN) was founded in 1999 and is dedicated to fighting the world’s toughest cancer. Pancreatic cancer takes 91 percent of its victims within five years and kills more people than breast cancer in the United States. As the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the US, Andrea decided to focus her efforts toward a singular goal that PanCAN shares: to double survival by 2020.

the fastsigns of midtown denver team participates in a pancreatic cancer walk

Andrea’s team at FASTSIGNS is supportive of her efforts to create change and inform others about the many hidden symptoms of this disease. But her reach toward awareness extends beyond her work colleagues.

a pancreatic cancer event full of purple t shirts and booths

With a mission to be involved in the Purple Stride event every year, she has even received support from her immediate family and cousins who join her in those efforts by participating every year at Purple Stride. In addition, she assists PanCAN throughout the year with printing, signage and even cash donations.

One aspect of Andrea’s involvement includes a banner she creates every year for PanCan that reads We Demand Better. Participants attending the yearly Purple Stride walk are encouraged to sign the banner in honor of a loved one.

a "We Demand Better' banner for the Purple Stride walk

“I love that my team has rallied behind my mission to raise awareness of pancreatic cancer. I truly appreciate the support to this great cause,” said Andrea Hair. “PanCAN is so appreciative of the signage donations and the time I take out of my schedule to volunteer in the efforts there.”

a purple stride walker holds a sign in honor of her mom

With Andrea and her tribe’s continued involvement, PanCAN will continue moving toward the goal of doubling survival by 2020.