The Cape Henlopen Elks recently contributed $1,000 to the PurpleStride Foundation in support of the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network.

The donation boosted fundraising efforts of John Lerch's Just Beat It team for the PurpleStride walk held April 25, at Bellevue State Park near Wilmington. 

Through the generosity of family, friends and organizations like the Elks, the team raised more than $7,500.

In September 2023, Lerch was diagnosed with Stage 4 pancreatic cancer, and doctors advised him to get his affairs in order.

Rather than surrender to a grim prognosis, Lerch and his wife Carol, an active Elks volunteer, sought expertise from specialists at Johns Hopkins Medicine who worked in partnership with his local oncology team in Lewes to develop a treatment plan. Throughout his journey, his guiding mantra of positivity and prayer has sustained him through diagnoses, treatments, setbacks and victories.

Now, through PurpleStride and Team Just Beat It, Lerch is turning his personal fight into a broader mission – raising awareness, building community and supporting the search for better treatments and a cure for pancreatic cancer. 

Lerch said his wife has stood beside him throughout his journey and remains deeply committed to serving others while supporting the cause.

He also credits the oncology nurses at the Tunnell Cancer Center in Lewes for their compassion and care, calling their role indispensable in his battle. He refers to them as his second family.