PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) — The annual PanCAN PurpleStride Rhode Island walk stepped off Saturday at Roger Williams Park.

This walk raises money for the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, which pays for programs and services to help those who have pancreatic cancer and their families.

WPRI’s very own Mike Montecalvo served as this year’s emcee.

The event also had two special guest speakers: Judge Frank Caprio, who recently announced he has pancreatic cancer, and U.S. Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse, whose mother passed away from pancreatic cancer and has supported PanCAN in the past.

Caprio, 87, announced his diagnosis in December of last year after a medical examination he had because he was not feeling well. The judge is currently getting treatment in both Rhode Island and Massachusetts.

“I would ask that, each of you in your own way, to please pray for me,” Caprio said in December. “I am in need of the power of prayer, which I believe in addition to the medical treatment that I am receiving is the most powerful weapon to help me survive this.”

So far, over $247,000 has been raised for this event.

WPRI is also a proud sponsor of the PanCAN PurpleStride.

Thanks for signing up!

Watch for us in your inbox.

Subscribe Now

Daily Roundup

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WPRI.com.