'PurpleSwim' at Rocky Point to Benefit Pancreatic Cancer Research

While much progress has been made in the diagnosis and treatment of many cancers, pancreatic cancer is one form of the disease that's tough to diagnose early and tougher to beat.

To bring more awareness to the disease, "PurpleSwim" will be held at Rocky Point Park on Sunday.

Swimmers will have their choice of one-, two- or three-mile swims, with their registration fees going to Pancreatic Cancer Action Network.

"We're seeing a higher rate of pancreatic cancer incidents," Aileen Musselman, a spokeswoman for the non-profit organization, said Friday. "We're living longer and the disease tends to hit older adults."

There are no routine screenings for pancreatic cancer, according to Musselman, which means the disease is usually diagnosed at a more advanced—and therefore tougher to successfully treat—stage.
 
About 30,000 people are diagnosed with pancreatic cancer each year in this country, according to the University of Maryland Greenebaum Cancer Center website.

Less than 5 percent of people with the diagnosis will survive more than five years, Musselman said in an email to Patch.

Rocky Point Park in Essex has hosted the event, which is unique to the Baltimore region, for several years, Musselman said.

The fundraiser usually attracts between 200 and 300 swimmers who swim a cordoned off, monitored course at the waterfront park.

"A lot of the swimmers have personal connections to the disease, but many are athletes who use the event for training," the spokeswoman said.

Swimmers interested in participating can still register the morning of the swim. Spectators are welcome and donations of any amount will be graciously accepted, according to Musselman.

PurpleSwim was started by a Baltimore family after losing a family member—an avid swimmer—to the disease, Musselman said.

This year's goal is to raise $50,000. As of Friday afternoon, the group had raised just over $34,000, and Musselman said she is confident that, come Sunday, the goal will be met.

"We always have a lot of money come in over the last two days," she said.

Event Details:
What: PurpleSwim to benefit the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network
Where: Rocky Point Park, 2200 Rocky Point Road, Essex
When: Sunday, Aug. 4
Time: On-site registration begins at 7 a.m.; the swim begins at 7:45 a.m.
Registration Fee: $60 for the one- or two-mile swim; $100 for the three-mile swim
Donations: Non-participants may make donations online.
Info: Pancreatic Cancer Action Network