Zumbathon will raise funds to fight pancreatic cancer
CRANBERRY TWP — The battle against cancer became a personal one for Kelly Riddle, a township fitness instructor, and her family last October.
Riddle’s husband, Sean, was diagnosed with stage four pancreatic cancer and was told he had six to 12 months to live.
In their search for answers, the Riddles became involved with the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, or PanCan.
From 10 a.m. to noon June 22 in the gymnasium at the township municipal building, the Riddles are sponsoring a Zumbathon to raise funds and awareness for PanCan through Team Riddle and PurpleStride Pittsburgh, a 5K Walk/Run to fund pancreatic cancer research.
The event will have six instructors dancing to Latin and popular music, basket raffles, and the opportunity to register to walk or run with Team Riddle on Aug. 3 on the North Shore.
“Sean is a former Marine, and he’s a fighter,” said Riddle. “After he was diagnosed, we learned that pancreatic cancer is the fourth leading cause of cancer deaths in this country and that our children are at risk for getting this awful disease.
“We want to do everything we can to help raise awareness and increase the amount of time and money put toward pancreatic cancer research.”
The Riddles’ children also have been doing their part to help in the cause.
“Our daughter, Payton, has been selling cookies and rubber band bracelets at school, and she and our son, Gavin, helped to coordinate a fundraiser at school,” Riddle said.
Registration for the Zumbathon fundraiser is $10 in advance or $15 at the door. To register or for more information, call Kelly Riddle at 412-901-0664 or Melissa at 412-334-1155.
To sign up for PurpleStride Pittsburgh or to donate to Team Riddle, visit http://purplestride.kintera.org.
