Sarasota Walk brings out walkers and raises awareness

The Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Foundation had their sixth annual walkathon on Saturday, Nov. 13. The walk started at JD Hamel Park in Sarasota with a few quick speakers including Sarasota Mayor Kelly Kirschner.

The participants walked from JD Hamel Park, over the John Ringling Bridge to Bird Key Park and back to JD Hamel Park. The walk had over 170 participants.

People participating walked for many reasons. In memory of those lost, in honor of those living with pancreatic cancer and even patients and survivors.

All of those participating wore the color purple, the color of pancreatic cancer. There were purple shirts, shoes, balloons, bracelets and sunglasses.

Diane Fritschle, a pancreatic cancer patient, had an entire group of friends and family who walked with her on “Team Diane”. Fritschle’s granddaughter, Hailey, 2, was one of the many walkers for “Team Diane” and was dressed from head to toe in purple, including her fingernails that were painted with sparkly purple nails.

Fritschle had a decorated wheelchair, purple ribbons and purple and white balloons, that was brought along for the walk but when asked if she was going to use it she said firmly, “I plan on walking it [the 5k]”.