MIDDLETON, Wis. (WMTV) – The Madison community gathered Sunday at the 11th annual Roll and Stroll event to support pancreatic cancer patients, survivors and research efforts.
Survivors, carers and care teams gathered at the Capital Brewery in Middleton for the event, which included music, raffles, food, and a bike ride and run/march.
For pancreatic cancer survivors like Maggie Rathert, events like this are important to raise money for research and celebrate milestones.
“But if you ask a survivor what the biggest milestone is – waking up in the morning and being able to live that day. That’s a milestone,” Rathert said.
Rathert was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer 11 years ago. She says there is a great sense of community at the Roll and Stroll event.
“It’s fantastic because once a year we get to come together in a very joyful and spirited way. It gives me goosebumps knowing that there are other people out there who are thinking of us, who care about us and who are willing to donate their resources to help cure pancreatic cancer,” she said.
Rathert says when she was first diagnosed, the survival rate for pancreatic cancer patients within the first five years was five percent.
“I mean, it’s really shocking. But it’s made progress. Now we’re at 13 percent,” she said, referring to research improving survival rates. “It’s more than doubled, and that’s what research can do for us, and that’s why we’re raising the funds.”
Participants could choose between a 50km, 25km or 5km bike ride, as well as a 5km run or a threekm roll-and-walk, accessible to walkers, scooters, wheelchairs and dogs.
All funds raised on Saturday stayed on site and benefited the UW Carbone Cancer Center.
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