Purple awareness: A woman fighting an incurable cancer will be holding a fundraising event in Lincoln next week.
A nursery worker in Lincoln is aiming to raise awareness of the fifth most common form of cancer next week.
Kathy Ellis (47) was recently diagnosed with chronic pancreatitis, a condition that is known to lead to pancreatic cancer.
Ellis (pictured centre) is looking to raise money for Pancreatic Cancer UK by holding a purple-themed event at The Old Station Nursery on November 25.
Between 2pm and 4pm, there will be a purple-themed dress code, purple food and a purple treasure hunt.
She is wanting to raise the money so more research can be done to aid sufferers of the disease, which is currently incurable.
Currently, 90% of people with pancreatic cancer are diagnosed too late for life-saving surgery, such as a transplant.
Single mum Ellis said: “I’ve suffered from chronic pancreatitis since January, when I collapsed at home with severe pain.
“It happened again in March and again in May and the last time it was really nasty. The pain is indescribable—it’s a very painful condition.”
Since being diagnosed, she has altered her diet and stopped drinking alcohol, as this can alleviate the likelihood of an attack.
She is also aware that the more attacks she has, the more likely it is that her illness will become pancreatic cancer.
“Your pancreas destroys itself and never heals. Transplants are very rare and the damage is irreversible, so doctors just manage the pain.
“At the moment there’s nothing more they can do—they can stabilise you but they can’t cure you.
“I’ve got this condition and the more I can make people aware of this horrible disease the better.’
“I’ve had lots of support from family and friends and Donna, my manager, has been absolutely fantastic,” she added.
In March 2011, Ellis will also be running the Adidas Silverstone Half Marathon for Pancreatic Cancer UK. To get involved, visit Adidas’ half marathon website.
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