Community Walk Unites Survivors, Families, and Supporters to Advance Pancreatic Cancer Research and Patient Financial Aid
Lehigh Valley, PA- Project Purple, a national nonprofit organization dedicated to fighting pancreatic cancer, is proud to partner with the Lehigh Valley community to help advance pancreatic cancer research and provide meaningful financial assistance to patients and families facing the disease throughout the region.
This Lehigh Valley Pancreatic Cancer Research Walk will be held in partnership with Project Purple. Steps for a Cure is a community-driven event in Allentown that brings together survivors, family, friends, and supporters with a shared goal of creating a world without pancreatic cancer. Through the generosity of participants, sponsors, and donors, the event raises critical funds with proceeds going directly toward pancreatic cancer research and patient support.
Click here to register or learn more.
Event Information and Schedule
Held at the beautiful Lehigh Parkway, Steps for a Cure: Lehigh Valley is a 3-mile and 1.5-mile walk that brings people together to honor loved ones, inspire hope, and stand united in the fight against pancreatic cancer.
9:00 AM: Event Hub Opens – Check-in, community booths, and more!
10:00 AM: Kick-Off Ceremony – Hear from survivors and community leaders.
10:15 AM: Walking Begins – Take your steps for a cure.
The People Behind the Event
With the support of Project Purple, this event is organized by Paul and Ed Ulicny, as well as Stephanie Walker. This event is deeply personal for this trio of dedicated volunteers.
“The Ulicny family has had 8 family members or close friends who have battled pancreatic cancer. Among them was my best friend and fishing partner, my brother, Gene,” Paul shared. “He was only 46 years old when he passed on, leaving behind a wife and 3 young children. That’s why I help the fight to find a cure for pancreatic cancer.”
Stephanie also sadly lost someone so close to her heart to pancreatic cancer: her mom.
“The Lehigh Valley walk allows me to honor the memory of my mother, who quickly lost her battle with this terrible cancer,” she said. “I’m proud to be part of this very caring community coming together to raise funds to develop early detection options, do more research, and support one another on this tough journey. We’re stronger and better together.”
Like Paul and Stephanie, Ed’s connection to this cause is rooted in profound loss. The people he has loved and lost continue to fuel his determination to ensure other families have more hope in the future.
“Pancreatic Cancer has had a major impact on my life. First, my brother and best man, Gene, then my wife Debra. She battled for 6.5 years before passing. During this time, my best friend from the neighborhood, Warren Kratzer, passed away from Pancreatic Cancer,” Ed said. “With these three major losses in my life, I felt compelled to be more involved with fighting this terrible disease. That is why I spend my time, energy, and funds in the fight against Pancreatic Cancer.”
Together, Paul, Ed, and Stephanie have transformed their personal experiences with pancreatic cancer into a shared mission. They are proud to bring the Lehigh Valley community together to honor those affected, support families facing the disease, and help advance the search for a cure.
Fundraising Incentives
Every dollar raised helps bring us one step closer to a world without pancreatic cancer. Reach the fundraising milestones below to earn exclusive Project Purple incentives while making an even greater impact.
Fundraise $50 and Receive – Project Purple Sunglasses
Fundraise $200 and Receive – Project Purple New Balance Backpack
Plan Your Visit
We welcome participants of all ages and abilities! The course is wheelchair and stroller-accessible, and leashed pets are welcome to join you along the route.
Date: Sunday, August 30th
Location: Lehigh Parkway
Address: 1696 Park Dr, Allentown, PA 18103
About Project Purple
Project Purple is a national nonprofit dedicated to fighting pancreatic cancer through research, awareness, and patient support.
Founded in 2010, Project Purple is committed to creating a world without pancreatic cancer while improving care and outcomes for patients and their families. Since its inception, the organization has funded over $5.5 million in research, with a strong emphasis on early detection initiatives such as PRECEDE, the world’s largest high-risk consortium for genetic mutations linked to pancreatic cancer.
Project Purple’s research support also includes foundational funding for Hartford HealthCare’s High Risk Pancreatic Cancer Screening Program, multiple studies at Duke University School of Medicine, and numerous other groundbreaking projects.
In addition to research, Project Purple has awarded more than $1.5 million in patient aid, assisting over 1,500 families to focus on treatment and care rather than financial stress.
For more information, contact us here.
