With the recent death of actor Patrick Swayze of pancreatic cancer, the nation has become all the more aware of the deadly disease that has taken so many lives.

Pancreatic cancer is the fourth leading cause of cancer death in the United States, according to cancer statistics. The Hamilton County area has also seen the hardships and grief caused by this disease.

Webster City resident Darwin Hartnett died in 2005 of pancreatic cancer. His daughter, Jody Moats, has made great efforts to promote awareness and to raise money to not only honor his memory, but to help try to eradicate pancreatic cancer.

In 2006 and 2007, Moats and other family and friends hiked across the state to raise money and awareness for pancreatic cancer research. Known as Hike Iowa for Hope, Moats walked in honor of her father and others who are living with this deadly disease. In 2008, Hike Iowa for Hope became PurpleStride Iowa and a one-day walking event was held in Webster City. Close to $12,000 was raided. This year, both Webster City and West Des Moines, will be participating and hope to raise awareness and funding for pancreatic cancer research.

The Webster City PurpleStride Iowa event will be held this Saturday at 9 a.m. at Briggs Woods Park. Participants will have a choice of taking on a 5K or 10K walk.

"Our goal this year is to raise $50,000," Moats said. "So far, before either event has taken place, we have raised $38,000. The community has really been there in years past and we invite anyone to come and join us for the walk."

A kickoff to PurpleStride Iowa 2009 will be held Friday at Pickles Pub in Kamrar. Acoustic blues and rock music will be provided by singer/songwriter Lewis Major from Des Moines, starting at 9 p.m. All those attending are encouraged to wear purple to show their support for the cause, according to Moats, and donations will be accepted. All donations go to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network.

To register for Saturday's PurpleStride Iowa, please visit www.pancan.org/purplestrideiowa09. Online registration is free. Participants can register online up until Friday, Moats said. Those wishing to take part may also register the day of the event for $40 starting 8 a.m.

To learn more about the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, visit www.Pancan.org.

Contact Carrie Olson at 832-4350, ext. 19, or email lifestyles@freemanjournal.net