Pancreatic cancer is the fourth leading cause of cancer death in the U.S., and over 37,000 Americans will be diagnosed with it this year alone. For patients receiving a pancreatic cancer diagnosis, the five-year survival rate is only five percent – the lowest survival rate of all major cancers. Pancreatic cancer is difficult to diagnose and once spotted, there are few treatment options available. Despite these facts, pancreatic cancer receives the least amount of federal research funding among major cancer killers.
In 2007, pancreatic cancer received only 1 ½ percent of the National Cancer Institute’s overall cancer research budget. Death rates from pancreatic cancer are still rising, and the main reason is lack of resources to develop proper diagnostic tools and more effective therapies to achieve higher survivability rates, and ultimately, find a cure.
About the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network
Founded in 1999, the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network was the first national advocacy organization dedicated to serving the pancreatic cancer community. The organization is leading the charge against this terrible disease by working in a comprehensive manner to find a cure. Our mission is to advance research, support patients and create hope for those affected by pancreatic cancer.
Our local affiliate is just one of over 75 volunteer groups who work to educate their communities about pancreatic cancer, raising awareness about the disease and the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network. By partnering with our affiliate as part of the PurpleSwim Baltimore, you are helping us accomplish our goals and move one step closer to ensuring future generations are not faced with the same dire statistics.
Proceeds from this event will be given directly to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network. Your sponsorship and participation in PurpleSwim Baltimore will help ensure its success, and help make a difference in our community.
In 2008 Tim Beatty organized the first annual “Bud Beatty Memorial Swim.” The event was an out and back course. Tim was joined by four other swimmers in an attempt to raise money and awareness to help fight Pancreatic Cancer. The swimmers left Rocky Point Beach and swam 1 mile towards Hart Miller Island. The course put them approx 1/4 off of the island. They then returned through the channel towards the beach. Conditions were very good that day. Minimal boat traffic, and currents were slow. Weather was a factor. Thunderstorms were threatening the event all day but while the swimmers were in the water it was sunny. Over $8,000 was raised and given to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network.
August 9, 2009 was the second annual swim and over 100 participants signed up for the event! Originally Tim had planned on approximatley 50 swimmers swimming. 82 swimmers completed the diamond shaped course. In 2009 over $13,000 was raised.
2010 is an exciting year for the event. We were asked by the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network to officially join their organization thus making our swim the First “PurpleSwim” event in the Nation! The Pancreatic Cancer Action Network is know for its National “Purple” events, like the popular “PurpleStride” events which offer a 5k running event and a Fun Walk. This year we have two Purple events in the area. The PurpleStride Maryland which is held at Oregon Ridge Park will be in its 4th year this October! This is truly an exciting time in our history of the swim. So, I welcome all of you to join our event and become “family.” We hope to see you on the beach!
Who is Bud Beatty?
Charles “Bud” Beatty (My Dad) was an awesome open water swimmer and all around waterman. He was a High School Varsity Swimmer at Polytechnic Institute in Baltimore, and later swam for the Univeristy of Maryland. While in college he Qualifed for the Olympic trials. In the 1960’s he was part of a group of young local swimmers who swam across the Chespeake Bay where the Great Chesapeake bay Swim is now held. Back then they jumped off of a ship and swam for land instead of swimming shore to shore. Back in the early 1980’s Dad was the founder of the Carroll County YMCA Swim Team and a Coach there for many years.
We spent our weekends on the shore and my Father and I enjoyed swimming together. He taught many valuable lessons to young people through his time as a coach. He continued to swim throughout his life and continued to help motivate swimmers during his morning workouts at the pool. He completed several crossings of the Great Chesapeake Bay Swims 4.4 mile race. In 1998 my father and I crossed together finishing only a few minutes apart.
In February 2002 he was diagnosed with Pancreatic Cancer. Dad underwent surgery and aggressive sessions of Chemo and he continued to swim up until his surgery. In August of 2002 My father passed away with his family by his side. I was with my father that day and for the week before his death. I could tell the lessons he had learned through life helped get him through those days. He kept fighting and didn’t want people to think that he quit. One thing I learned from my father was that when you say you are a “Swimmer” it means something. We do things that most people would not consider doing. We have talents that most would love to have. We are a family and have a special bond. We continue on our journey even though it may hurt…
I encourage all of you to join our fight against Pancreatic Cancer. Whether you join us as a Participant or as a sponsor you will be part of our “Family.”
“Just keep swimming and we will see you on the beach.” Quoted by Bud Beatty June 1998
Thank You!
Tim Beatty
PurpleSwim Baltimore
Event Coordinator
And founder of the “Bud Beatty Memorial Swim.”
