Lustgarten Walk raises money for a cancer with a 7 percent survivor rate

While it is one of the deadliest forms of cancer in the world, on Sunday, you can make a difference to help researchers battle it.

Florida SouthWestern State College has a walk to help fund important research. The funds support a crucial mission as only 7 percent of people diagnosed with pancreatic cancer live five years after it is first discovered.

Fernando Licopoli is one of the lucky ones. Licopoli first noticed symptoms of pancreatic cancer nine years ago after he felt a sharp pain in his stomach. He said his early detection allowed doctors to treat pancreatic cancer.

“It’s overwhelming,” Licopoli said. “The reality of mortality strikes you.  Even those who undergo surgery, a lot of times, it’s too late.”

Also helping those with cancer is the advent of medical breakthroughs. Experts have said, technology has changed detecting cancer, such as in a new blood test. But ultimately, they said more research needs to be done to help save lives.

Saving lives is why Steve Witter got involved in the Lustgarten Walk of Southwest Florida. The walk raises funds for additional research, a cause that is important to Witter. His wife was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 2013.

“She suffered,” Witter said. “She was not a candidate for surgery. It’s rewarding that I’m giving back to help somebody not go through what I went through as a caregiver.”

On Sunday, FSW is standing up to cancer through the Lustgarten Walk. Registration opens at 8:30 a.m. for $60. The walk begins at 10 a.m.