Robin Schroeder loves to be active, but when she was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 2020, she felt like she could no longer enjoy her beloved pastimes such as running and yoga. Today she has successfully completed her first marathon since surgery and is back to her active lifestyle, and now uses her passion for running to spread awareness for pancreatic cancer.
Celebrate 15 years of Project Purple with us.
In 2010, Project Purple’s founder, Dino Verrelli, made a promise to his father who was battling pancreatic cancer. Fifteen years later, that promise has fueled $3.5 million in research, over $1 million in patient aid, and a thriving community dedicated to making a difference.
We have big plans to celebrate 15 years of this powerful mission, including a special vintage singlet, returning to the race where it all began, a new commemorative mug, and much more. Join us as we honor our journey and push toward a world without pancreatic cancer!
Represent In Style With Our Classic Singlet
We’re bringing back an old-school design with this highly exclusive singlet. Featuring the branding style we started this journey with and our original logo, this throwback singlet blends history and style. There are just two ways you can earn this singlet:
- Join us at the New Haven Road Races, or…
- For alumni only: Participate in a Pioneer Program race in 2025.
Join us at the New Haven Road Races
Our 2010 New Haven Road Race team was the very first Project Purple team to run for a world without pancreatic cancer. And now, we want you to join the 2025 team as we celebrate our triumphant return to this great race series. Race day is September 1 in New Haven with options to participate in the Half Marathon, 20k, or 5k. Joining this team will earn you our 15th Anniversary singlet.
Fill out my online form.
Blaze New Trails as a Pioneer
*For alumni of past years only
Celebrate Project Purple’s past by pioneering new paths for future teams. Our Pioneer Program allows you to run, walk, bike, or move your way at any event in the world. This is an opportunity to receive the same camaraderie of participating in a full-sized team while going your own way. Any returning alumi who participates as a Pioneer in 2025 will receive the 15-year anniversary singlet.
Fill out my online form.
Get The New 15-Year Anniversary Mug
Our Mug Club mugs are getting a redesign in celebration of our 15-year anniversary. The 5-year survival rate for pancreatic cancer currently sits at 13%. But we are going to change that with your help. Making a recurring donation of $13/month or more through our mug club page will make you a part of the Project Purple Mug Club. This entitles you to this new travel mug after 3 successful months of donations.
VOICES AND STORIES OF SURVIVORS
Michael Skaggs is an avid runner, which made it all the more devastating when he began to lose his mobility due to his chemotherapy treatments. After going through major setbacks and several complications, Michael is finally ready to run again.
Michele Miller is a two-time cancer survivor. After surviving breast cancer, she knew that she had an increased chance of developing other types of cancer. When her predictions came true in 2021, she had no choice but to trust her body to get her through this next challenge.
At 36, pancreatic cancer was the farthest thing from Ryan Dwars’s mind, so when he was diagnosed back in 2021, it came as a complete shock. To find relief from the pressures of cancer, he started supporting other cancer survivors, a journey that has brought him all the way to national television.
When Darlene Plavchak was told in 2019 that she had only three months to live, she chose to defy the odds and go through treatment. Now, she is a four-year pancreatic cancer survivor, all through the power of positivity.