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By Michele Sequeira

On the Run to Fight Pancreatic Cancer

This year the 11th annual Polly’s Run will take place to raise money for pancreatic cancer research benefiting the UNM Cancer Center

Polly's Run is on a mission to end pancreatic cancer. The annual fundraiser is held each year in honor of Polly Rogers, whose best friends and three sons started the 5K run-walk event after she died in 2009.

"[My mother] taught me and my brothers that you can't just sit back, you've got to make a difference while you're here," says Josh Rogers, Polly's Run organizer and Polly's middle son. The event's goal is to raise money every year to find a cure for pancreatic cancer, celebrate survivors and honor those who have passed on.

The American Cancer Society predicts that in New Mexico this year, 340 people will be diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and 240 people will lose their battle. Pancreatic cancer is one of the most difficult cancers to treat because it is hard to diagnose in its early stages.

Polly's Run has raised $325,000 since 2009 to help fight pancreatic cancer. Last year the event raised $53,914.51 to benefit the Polly Rogers Pancreatic Cancer Research Fund at The University of New Mexico Comprehensive Cancer Center. Polly's Run organizers have set an ambitious goal of $111,111 for this, their 11th year.

This year, Polly's Run will be held virtually on May 30. Rogers says that participants will receive a t-shirt and bib by mail when they register and encourages registration by May 15 to ensure on-time delivery. Children, too, may register and will receive their t-shirt and bib with an adult registration. Participants may run anywhere and are encouraged share their photos and video on social media.

Categories: Comprehensive Cancer Center