In January 2025, Taylor Fisher lost her mother, Kim, after a four-year battle with pancreatic cancer. It was a battle that began unexpectedly in February 2021, when her mom’s stage 4 diagnosis shocked the family. Now, in honor of her mom’s memory and to raise awareness for pancreatic cancer, Taylor is preparing for her first marathon – the 2025 Chicago Marathon – running as part of Project Purple’s team. This race, set against the backdrop of profound personal loss, will not only be an emotional milestone but also a chance to fundraise for a cause that resonates with her.
A Diagnosis With A Family History
Taylor’s mom’s pancreatic cancer diagnosis came as a shock. “Her diagnosis shocked our family, as it felt like it came out of nowhere,” Taylor recalls. Kim had been experiencing constipation and stomach pain for a few months. After over-the-counter medications did little to relieve her discomfort, Kim’s doctor ordered scans, and it was then that she was diagnosed with stage 4 pancreatic cancer. What followed was three and a half years of chemotherapy.
During her treatment, Taylor’s mom would learn that she likely had a gene increasing her risk for the disease. Taylor’s great-grandfather, grandfather, and now her mother had all passed away from pancreatic cancer. The loss of her mom in January 2025 left Taylor thinking of her family members’ increased risk. This realization highlighted the pressing need for research and better diagnostic tools. As she prepares for the Chicago Marathon, raising funds for early detection methods and better treatments has become a key part of her mission.
Finding Clarity and Comfort in Running
Though Taylor has always been active, playing soccer and tennis in high school, it wasn’t until last year that she started long-distance running. Her running journey started when she and a group of friends spontaneously signed up for the Gary Bjorklund Half Marathon. Completing the race left a lasting impression. “Crossing the finish line of my first half marathon was an amazing feeling,” she recalls.
Taylor quickly added to her list of races, completing the Meedtronic Twin Cities 10-Mile and the Hot Cider Hustle Half Marathon a few weeks later. Running soon became more than just a physical challenge; it became a therapeutic outlet. “It’s a form of therapy and reflection,” she says, clearing her mind and serving as a break from both the monotony and hecticness of everyday life.
Answering the Call
Running the Chicago Marathon to raise money for pancreatic cancer research and patient support felt like a calling for Taylor. Shortly before her mom’s transition to hospice care in December 2024, Taylor found out she had been accepted into Project Purple’s 2025 Chicago Marathon team.
“I really just felt called to it, and it was really fascinating timing. The universe must have been working in its ways and told me this is something that I should do, and it also would become a way to honor my mom’s life,” says Taylor. “Signing up and being accepted into Project Purple’s running team has given me something to look forward to, and a positive way for me, my entire family, and our support system to honor my mom and continue to raise money and awareness.”
The Heart of the Family
“She is my home,” says Taylor. Her mom was the heart of her family – a kind and loving woman who always put others first. “She was the most caring, loving, and selfless mom you could have ever asked for,” she says. “Everyone who talked about her would talk about how kind she is and how much she loves her family. She was someone that I could always go to when I needed help or encouragement or just someone to talk to. She was always there for me.”
Taylor recognizes that the empathy her mom demonstrated throughout her life shaped her own sense of compassion. “Empathy and love towards people is something that I got from her,” she reflects.
Kim’s ability to help others, even while facing her own illness, has been a lasting inspiration. “We’ve had several family friends get diagnosed with various kinds of cancers, and he was always asking what she could do to help,” Taylor remembers. “She was always helping others to the very end.” Taylor carries her mom’s dedication to helping others as she trains for the marathon, knowing that her fundraising efforts will support vital research and help those currently battling pancreatic cancer.
A Hope for the Future
Taylor is focused on the future. “So many people are diagnosed at stage 4, and it’s such a terrible disease,” she says. “I want families to have more time with their loved ones.” Taylor’s goal is to improve early detection methods so treatments can be more effective. “My mom’s battle with pancreatic cancer has taught us how to live and enjoy life. Each day is a gift,” she says.
For Taylor, running the 2025 Chicago Marathon is more than just an athletic accomplishment – it’s a tribute to her mom and a chance to help others impacted by pancreatic cancer. As she prepares to run in her honor, Taylor is determined to make a difference. “We’re doing this, we’ve set our goals high, and we’ll change some lives,” she says.
To support Taylor and her fundraising goals, click here to donate to her page.
If you’d like to run or participate in an event of your own for Project Purple, visit our events page.
