The Jim Marks Fund at Project Purple
In honor of Jim, your donation will go directly towards funding research to improve pancreatic cancer survival rates.
Remembering Jim Marks
We set up this fund in memory of Jim Marks who passed away in 2010 at the age of 49 after a short, but hard fought, battle with Stage IV Pancreatic Cancer. Even with the diagnosis of six months, he sought out a clinical trial to participate in what could be a scientific breakthrough in order to help others.
This year, 2025 will be the 15 year anniversary of his death and what would have been his 65th birthday!
As we honor Jim, we think of a few of his core values-
Importance of family and tradition - he modeled how to show up for people by making time to visit and celebrate.
Selflessness & responsibility - he showed us the value of being actively involved in the community.
Making time for play - he taught us to work and play hard.
Mindfulness - he embraced the importance of the here and now by being present.
Our family has experienced how quickly one can die from Pancreatic Cancer.
Did you know that as one of the five most lethal cancers, pancreatic cancer, unlike lung, breast, prostate and colorectal cancer, is the only one that does not have a standard screening strategy? Since Jim’s diagnosis in 2010, the pancreatic cancer survival rate has only slightly increased (from 9% to 13%) and remains the only major cancer with a five-year survival rate below 20%.
Why are we supporting Project Purple? Project Purple strives to rewrite the story of pancreatic cancer. The organization is driven by hope and a shared commitment to make a lasting impact in the lives of those affected by this disease. We know Jim would value their priorities of funding critical research, early detection and curative treatments. We hope you will join us in supporting Project Purple by making a donation.
Feel free to share this site with others who will help us fight Pancreatic Cancer.
Alison, Danielle, Natalie (daughters) and Kathleen (widow).
A World Without Pancreatic Cancer
Your donation will fund critical pancreatic cancer research and patient financial aid, helping families afford some of the costs associated with battling pancreatic cancer.
Donations support the mission of Project Purple, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that is dedicated to creating a world without pancreatic cancer.
Project Purple is fighting to increase the odds of survival through research—focused in the areas of early detection and curative treatment of pancreatic cancer.
The organization also directly helps patients in need by providing financial aid to patients and their families in order to cover medical, cost of living, and other expenses associated with pancreatic cancer.