Melinda Thach

Iowan finding time to read, write, walk, quilt, volunteer for youth and honor loved ones who are fighting/fought cancer by doing Relay for Life and PurpleStride

[Positively Present @positivepresent]

It’s okay if summer isn’t your favorite. No season lasts forever! 🥵

[PanCAN @PanCAN]

In the latest episode of PancChat, host @AlisynCamerota sits down with pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor (PNET) survivor and #PanCANvolunteer, Randi E. to discuss what survivorship can look like more than a decade after diagnosis.

Tune in to PancChat wherever you listen to podcasts, including YouTube 🔗 https://t.co/zIzFgM1xUz

The PancChat Podcast is a collaboration between PanCAN and @LetsWinPC. 💜

[PanCAN @PanCAN]

You showed up with hope, determination and compassion at #PanCANPurpleStride — and proved patients can count on you. Every step taken and every dollar raised helps fuel breakthrough research and expand our PanCAN Patient Services program — efforts that are changing what’s possible for patients today and tomorrow. 👟💜

Together, our PurpleStride community has already raised $15.6 million nationwide, an incredible achievement that reflects the strength of this movement. And with fundraising ending tomorrow, we’re so close to reaching our goal.

How close? If every participant raised just $26 we would hit our $17 million goal and invest even more into breakthroughs that can save lives. There’s still time to make an impact before fundraising closes tomorrow. Visit 🔗 https://t.co/cqvqu4a0Iv to make a difference today!

[Action for Happiness @actionhappiness]

Today is a great day to be proud of all the progress you’ve made

Image: https://t.co/2MQy2XUkmG

[PanCAN @PanCAN]

Attention researchers! ‼️ Three funding opportunities are now available through the Pancreatic Cancer Research Program at the Department of Defense's (DoD) Congressionally Directed Medical Research Program. Thanks to the advocacy of the PanCAN community, this dedicated #pancreaticcancer research program has not only been reinstated, but was funded at a record breaking $20 million this year — $5 million more than ever before.

The first deadlines for two funding mechanisms are approaching in just two weeks!

🔬 Idea Development Award
Pre‑Application (Pre‑proposal) due: July 7, 2026

🔬 Translational Research Partnership Award
Pre‑Application (Pre‑proposal) due: July 7, 2026

The deadline for pre‑application (letter of intent) is approaching in several months for the following mechanism:

🔬 Focused Pilot Award
Pre‑Application (Letter of Intent) due: September 16, 2026

Researchers, apply today at 🔗 https://t.co/u4msCkN8kS and spread the word to your colleagues and trainees about these important funding opportunities for pancreatic cancer research. 💜

[Action for Happiness @actionhappiness]

Focus less on things outside your control on more on what you choose to do

Image: https://t.co/k68pooPqz6

[Action for Happiness @actionhappiness]

Joyful June - Day 1: Decide to look for what’s good every day this month https://t.co/HZQI1uz0Xz #JoyfulJune

[Action for Happiness @actionhappiness]

Let’s remember to look after each other

Image: https://t.co/5KA72uqLz5

[PanCAN @PanCAN]

Today, on National Nurses Day, we’re honoring the incredible nurses who bring compassion, comfort and expert care to patients and families every single day. 💜

Join us in thanking every nurse making a difference in the #pancreaticcancer community and beyond.

[PanCAN @PanCAN]

Join us in celebrating Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month! 💜

The AAPI community is rich in diverse cultures, languages and experiences. As a result, this community faces diverse needs, challenges and disparities in accessing cancer care.

For a disease as complex as #pancreaticcancer, having a provider you trust is essential. Our PanCAN Patient Services team can connect you or a loved one with specialists in your area or who speak your language.

Call 📞 [phone] or 📧 email [email protected] to connect with a compassionate Case Manager for free, one-on-one support and resources.

[Action for Happiness @actionhappiness]

Active April - Day 28: Meet a friend outside for a walk and a chat https://t.co/7vJLdlFuoI #ActiveApril

[PanCAN @PanCAN]

Across the country, participants showed up in force at #PanCANPurpleStride this weekend, demonstrating the strength and resilience of a community determined to make a difference. 👟💜 That momentum was amplified by our dedicated PanCAN Ambassadors, including Jean Trebek; the Star Trek “Trek Against Pancreatic Cancer” team — Jonathan Frakes, Armin Shimerman, Kitty Swink, John Billingsley and Juan Carlos Coto; as well as Joan Vassos, Bailey Taylor Brown, Stephen Nichols, Jeff Mauro and Rosa Blasi.

From survivor celebrations to heartfelt tributes, PurpleStride remains a powerful, unifying moment — showing that meaningful progress is possible when we come together. Join us in thanking our ambassadors for being part of that impact, and read more about why they stride to end #pancreaticcancer at 🔗 https://t.co/bdpeLuvR3t.

[PanCAN @PanCAN]

This past weekend, the pancreatic cancer community came together for #PanCANPurpleStride 2026 — and what a powerful day it was! 👟💜

Tens of thousands of Striders at events nationwide took steps to end #pancreaticcancer, showing what’s possible when we unite with a shared purpose. From coast to coast, Striders filled walk routes with purple, creating a visible and moving reminder that no one faces this disease alone.

So far, PurpleStride 2026 has raised nearly $15 million, supporting critical programs that help patients and families today while driving research for better treatments and earlier detection tomorrow. Like in previous years, this incredible momentum reflects a growing, determined community committed to changing the story of pancreatic cancer.

Read more about our biggest community event of the year at 🔗 https://t.co/bdpeLuvR3t.

[US Department of the Interior @Interior]

Absolutely mesmerizing to witness the glowing lava fountains at Kīlauea's summit eruption in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. Volcanoes are living monuments to Earth's fiery origins, a powerful reminder that our planet’s forces are still alive and at work.

Video by @usgs

[Keith Murphy @KeithMurphy]

Caitlin Clark releasing her first children’s book November 3.

According to the publisher, “The inspiration for the book comes from a mirror that hung in Clark’s childhood room, bearing the quote “The difference between ordinary and extraordinary is the little EXTRA.”

[Action for Happiness @actionhappiness]

If today feels hard, take it one step at a time

Image: https://t.co/xthFeKLjmO

[PanCAN @PanCAN]

Tanasha S., Team Captain of the Top Fundraising Team at #PanCANPurpleStride Delaware, shares, "It was the first PanCAN PurpleStride walk that I wasn’t a teary mess. I felt strong surrounded by family, friends and new friends. I love this pancreatic cancer community because we are all focused on raising awareness, sharing our grief, united to raise funds for research, all while honoring survivors and those we have lost.

Thanks, Mom for keeping me strong. Like the last statement I told you, you are within me."

Thank you, Tanasha, for allowing our community to honor your mom with you. 💜

Were you part of the ultimate walk to end pancreatic cancer last weekend? Drop a 👟 in the comments if you joined us!

[Action for Happiness @actionhappiness]

Remember: Doing your best looks different every day

Image: https://t.co/CU3ERzzrWL

[Iowa - Pancreatic Cancer Action Network @PanCANIowa]

People who raise $100 for #PanCANPurpleStride Iowa earn a purple event T-shirt, which will be mailed. Fundraising for PanCAN PurpleStride Iowa continues after the event. If raise $100 by April 26 (today), it will be shipped in May and if by end of May, then will be sent in June.