It's been 10 years since my dad died of pancreatic cancer.

Like anyone who's lost a parent, I think about him a lot, and 10 years does nothing to change that.

But what gets under my skin the most is that, in 10 years, we haven't made much progress against this type of cancer. 

Part of the problem is, ironically, that pancreatic cancer is so lethal. Most people who get pancreatic cancer don't live very long, so drug companies have little opportunity (or incentive) to do research. 

So it's up to us to fill this research gap. 

But here's the amazing thing: we actually can fill the gap. The research budget for the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network is only $3 million and this is a time of true promise for pancreatic cancer research: the disease's genetic blueprint was recently mapped and this creates a rare opportunity for new and better early testing and treatment.

I am running 50 marathons in 50 states to raise money for the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network. This is a a long-term goal-- it may take 20 years to finish the remaining races (I've run 18 so far). But I've committed to raising $150,000 (or 5% of PANCAN's research budget) over that period. Don't be put off by the large number--I don't know if I'll be successful, but I will be grateful for *any* help. My father was the only person whose advice I've ever trusted, so there is no one to talk me out of this. Please help me honor him, others who have suffered and the survivors by closing this research gap!