Two-time pancreatic cancer survivor shares her story ahead of PanCAN event

Rose Black, a two-time pancreatic cancer survivor, will participate in the upcoming Purplestride Michigan walk to raise awareness and funds for the disease.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 10:22am

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A ghostly, translucent X-ray image of a human pancreas, its intricate internal structures glowing against a dark background, conveying the fragility and resilience of those affected by pancreatic cancer.A survivor's resilience shines through in the delicate, intricate structure of the pancreas revealed through advanced medical imaging.Today in Detroit

Rose Black, a two-time pancreatic cancer survivor from St. Clair Shores, Michigan, is sharing her story ahead of the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network's (PanCAN) annual Purplestride Michigan fundraising walk. Black was first diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 2009 and again in 2016, and she has been an advocate for PanCAN since 2011, volunteering at the Purplestride event each year. The Purplestride Michigan walk is scheduled for April 25, 2026 at Milliken State Park in Detroit.

Why it matters

Pancreatic cancer is one of the deadliest forms of cancer, with a 5-year survival rate of only 13%. Black's story highlights the importance of early detection and advocacy, as she had to persistently push her doctor to order the CT scan that ultimately found her tumor. Her experience also underscores the vital role that organizations like PanCAN play in supporting patients, raising awareness, and funding research to improve outcomes for pancreatic cancer.

The details

Black first noticed symptoms of bloating and weight loss in 2009, but her doctor initially dismissed them. It wasn't until she insisted on a CT scan that the tumor was discovered. She underwent surgery that year and became a volunteer with PanCAN, helping to run the survivors' table at the annual Purplestride walk. The cancer returned in 2016, and Black underwent a second round of treatment, including chemotherapy and another surgery. Despite the challenges, Black has remained positive and continues to advocate for pancreatic cancer patients.

  • Black was first diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 2009.
  • Black had her first surgery to treat the cancer in 2009.
  • Black began volunteering with PanCAN in 2011, helping to run the survivors' table at the annual Purplestride walk.
  • The cancer returned for Black in 2016, and she underwent additional treatment, including chemotherapy and a second surgery.
  • The upcoming Purplestride Michigan walk is scheduled for April 25, 2026 at Milliken State Park in Detroit.

The players

Rose Black

A two-time pancreatic cancer survivor from St. Clair Shores, Michigan who has been an advocate for the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCAN) since 2011.

Renee Clearman

The chair of Purplestride, the annual fundraising walk organized by PanCAN.

Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCAN)

A national organization dedicated to fighting pancreatic cancer through research, patient support, community outreach, and advocacy.

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What they’re saying

“You're the double survivor. What does your t-shirt say?”

— Alicia Smith, Reporter

“It says double survivor, and PanCAN made it for me several years ago. [I] wear it often.”

— Rose Black, Two-time pancreatic cancer survivor

“What a difficult summer that must have been for you.”

— Alicia Smith, Reporter

“It was. It was nerve-racking because at that time, pancreatic cancer meant a death sentence to most people.”

— Rose Black, Two-time pancreatic cancer survivor

“An important part of this is to be able to share your story and realize that you're not alone out there.”

— Rose Black, Two-time pancreatic cancer survivor

What’s next

The upcoming Purplestride Michigan walk, organized by PanCAN, is scheduled for April 25, 2026 at Milliken State Park in Detroit. Participants can register to walk and support the cause.

The takeaway

Rose Black's story of perseverance and advocacy in the face of a devastating diagnosis highlights the critical need for increased awareness, research funding, and patient support for pancreatic cancer. Her experience underscores the importance of early detection and the power of individual voices to drive change and improve outcomes for those affected by this deadly disease.