2nd Annual Granara-Skerry Walk Saturday- Rain or Shine

Pancreatic cancer survivor Kathy Granara-Skerry, pictured at left, has organized a walk in Medford to benefit research. Courtesy photo.

Local Pancreatic Cancer Survivor Organized Walk to Benefit Research at MGH

– Allison Goldsberry

After heading all the way down to the Cape two years ago and braving 60 mile-per-hour wind and pouring rain to take part in a cancer research walk, pancreatic cancer survivor Kathy Granara-Skerry decided to organize a walk closer to home.

This year, Granara-Skerry will kick off the 2nd Annual Granara-Skerry Walk to Benefit Pancreatic Research at The Mass General Hospital on Saturday, and though this year’s walk will likely face similar conditions, it will go on rain or shine.

The 3.1 mile walk serves three purposes- to raise awareness of pancreatic cancer, the fourth leading cause of death among cancer victims, to raise money for research, and to provide support and comfort for those suffering from the disease.

Granara-Skerry said 250 people have signed up to walk so far and if people don’t want to brave the rain they can still make a donation.

Last year’s walk raised $50,000 and was matched by another $50,000 donation, generating $100,000 for pancreatic cancer research.  So far this year’s walk has raised over $44,000.

Granara-Skerry was diagnosed with the disease in September of 2005 and received treatment at Massachusetts General Hospital.  She underwent the Whipple surgery- the only hope for a cure- in October and received radiation treatment from December 2005 through November 2006.  Granara-Skerry was cancer-free from December 2006 through February 2008 but unfortunately has had a recurrence of the cancer in March and is currently on chemotherapy taking Gemzar and Tarceva.

Despite the setback, Granara-Skerry is determined to beat her cancer and to raise money for research while increasing awareness of the disease.

Granara-Skerry said pancreatic cancer is a particularly deadly cancer of which little is known about and where surgery is only an option for 15% of patients. She said research funding is essential so doctors can find out more about the disease and how to prevent it.

“The research, it just isn’t there and that’s what’s needed because the early intervention is so critical,” said Granara-Skerry.

Registration is 9AM Saturday and the 5K walk begins at 10AM from Playstead Park. Interested donors can call Granara-Skerry at 339-221-1608, email granara-skerrywalk@comcast.net , or show up for registration with a $25 donation.