About Us

Empowering Those Affected by Pancreatic Cancer

Project Purple is a non-profit organization empowering the fight against pancreatic cancer. Our unwavering commitment is fueled by the pursuit of raising awareness, driving crucial research, and providing aid for patients who are battling this disease.

Since our founding in 2010, we’ve been leading the charge, pioneering advancements, and bringing hope to those affected by pancreatic cancer.

We understand the toll pancreatic cancer takes on individuals, families, and communities, and we remain committed to fighting this disease until we live in a world free from pancreatic cancer.

We invite you to learn more about our organization, mission, and values. Together, we can create a world without pancreatic cancer.

Where it All Began

Project Purple was founded on September 15, 2010. Fueled by a commitment to his father who was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 2008, Dino Verrelli rallied a passionate group of individuals to launch Project Purple. Motivated by his father Giovanni’s diagnosis, Dino spearheaded the creation of this transformative organization.

Despite enduring numerous chemotherapy treatments and invasive procedures, Giovanni’s battle took a turn for the worst in 2010 when the cancer resurfaced aggressively, ruling out surgery as a viable option.

When Giovanni passed away on September 5, 2011, Dino made a solemn promise to his father, vowing to persevere in the fight against pancreatic cancer, fueling his unwavering commitment to find a cure and honor his father’s memory.

Today, Project Purple stands as a testament to our community’s dedication to rewriting the story of pancreatic cancer. Our organization is driven by hope and a shared commitment to make a lasting impact in the lives of those affected by this formidable disease.

Our Impact

Pancreatic cancer has a 13% 5-year survival rate in the USA, and we’re fighting to change that.

At Project Purple, we are committed to making a real impact in the fight against pancreatic cancer. Our initiatives include research funding, patient support, and community outreach; our results speak for themselves.

Project Purple has invested more than $3.5 million in research, establishing the world’s largest high-risk consortium for genetic mutations linked to pancreatic cancer and Nebraska’s first high-risk clinic for pancreatic cancer.

We’re also dedicated to alleviating the financial burden so patients can focus on their recovery. Our Patient Financial Aid program has helped over 1,300 families with daily living and medical expenses, providing over $1,000,000 in patient aid.

We have sent over 3,200 Blankets of Hope care packages to people fighting pancreatic cancer to keep them warm while showing our love and support.

We’re also dedicated to educating the public while sharing stories of courage, hope, and inspiration through various platforms such as our YouTube channel, podcasts, and social media accounts. Through these channels, we aim to spread positivity, valuable information, and inspire others in their journey against pancreatic cancer.

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Get Involved

At Project Purple, we have a team of dedicated individuals who are committed to making a difference in the fight against pancreatic cancer. Together, we work to support research efforts, patient financial aid programs, and messaging, all in the hopes of contributing to the battle against this disease. Each member of our team and board utilizes their unique skills to further this mission.