CRANBERRY TWP — The friends and family of a township man who lost his battle with pancreatic cancer three years ago have raised $50,000 and counting for research for a cure.

The third Team Riddle FitFest for Pancreatic Cancer will be from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Friday at the Cranberry Township Municipal Center, 2525 Rochester Road.

Team Riddle was started in honor of Sean Riddle, who died in August 2013 at 42. The group raises money by collecting donations and holding the fitness event, said Kelly Riddle, Sean’s wife.

Fitness classes at the event will be geared to all levels and will include Zumba, yoga, Pilates, cardio and strength training.

The proceeds will go to PurpleStride Pittsburgh, a fundraising event of the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, which supports research for a cure and for better screening, awareness and advocacy in Washington, D.C.

Pancreatic cancer is one of the deadliest forms of cancer, but the public is less aware of it than other types, Riddle said.

Only 4 percent of people diagnosed with the cancer survive. It is difficult to detect and there isn’t agreement in the medical community about symptoms.

When Sean Riddle was diagnosed, he was already in stage four and the disease had metastasized to other parts of his body.

“We were surprised when we got the diagnosis. We searched for three years trying to figure out why he was sick all the time,” she said.

The event Friday is open to anyone of any age. No advance registration is necessary. There have been 200 to 250 attendees in past years.

“It’s not just a fundraiser it’s something everyone gets something out of. It’s fun and it promotes health and wellness,” Riddle said.

There will also be local vendors and a gift basket raffle.