Star Trek Legends Unite For The 5th Consecutive Year For Campaign Against Pancreatic Cancer
Icons from the sci-fi, action film, once again gather to support 21-year survivor Kitty Swink's vital mission
Poulami is an associate editor. She did her MA in English from Miranda House, University of Delhi and has qualified UGC-NET. She also holds a PG diploma in Editing and Publishing from Jadavpur University. Her journey as a content writer began in 2017 and since then, Poulami has garnered diverse interests along the way.
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The crew of Star Trek has passionately reunited against Pancreatic Cancer, but with renewed purpose and determination. For the fifth consecutive year, Star Trek icons are uniting for PanCAN PurpleStride Los Angeles, bringing their star power to the fight against the devastating disease.
Star Trek Legends Answer The Call
Star Trek veterans Armin Shimerman, Jonathan Frakes, John Billingsley, and Juan Carlos Coto have announced their return to support PurpleStride Los Angeles on April 26. The video shows the stars talking about their personal experiences with the disease and urging fans to come together to create awareness and fight back.
At the heart of this mission is Kitty Swink, a remarkable 21-year pancreatic cancer survivor whose personal journey has inspired her Star Trek friends to join forces in raising awareness and funds for pancreatic cancer research.
Five Years Of Making An Impact
The Instagram announcement invites fans to join Team Trek for their “most vital mission yet: to help patients ‘live long and prosper.'” This clever nod to the famous Vulcan blessing underscores the team’s commitment to improving survival rates for those diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.
Jonathan Frakes, best known for portraying Commander William Riker in Star Trek: The Next Generation and directing numerous Trek episodes and films, has been a steadfast supporter of this cause. Frakes has leveraged his significant following and influence within the Star Trek community to bring attention to important causes throughout his career.
Frakes’ involvement isn’t limited to this event. Earlier this year, he participated in fundraising efforts with the FSF PopCast, encouraging donations to PanCAN.
Celebrity Power Across The Nation
The Trek team joins other notable figures participating in PurpleStride events nationwide. As revealed in a previous PanCAN announcement, the Los Angeles event will also feature Monty Python legend Eric Idle, Lisa Swayze (widow of Patrick Swayze, who died from pancreatic cancer), and Days of our Lives stars Martha Madison and Eric Martsolf.
This star-studded support comes with a personal connection for many participants. TV writer-producer Juan Carlos Coto lost his brother, “Star Trek Enterprise” Executive Producer Manny Coto, to pancreatic cancer, adding another layer of meaning to the team’s commitment.
How To Join The Mission
The campaign extends an open invitation to Star Trek fans and supporters everywhere. “Whether you’re a lifelong member of Starfleet or just a fan of the cause, Team Trek invites you to join them on April 26 as they warp toward progress in the fight against pancreatic cancer,” the post states.
Interested participants can learn more about Team Trek’s mission at purplestride.org/TeamTrek. For those unable to attend the Los Angeles event, PanCAN offers opportunities to “beam into an event” in other locations or participate virtually. Registration is free at purplestride.org.
With their combined star power and the passionate support of the Trek fanbase, Team Trek Against Pancreatic Cancer continues to exemplify the Star Trek ethos of hope, unity, and working toward a better future for all humanity.
As PurpleStride 2025 approaches, the team hopes their efforts will help fund critical research and support for patients currently battling pancreatic cancer – ensuring that more survivors like Kitty Swink can indeed live long and prosper.
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