On Sunday, April 27, Rachel Pankratz will run the London Marathon to honor her late mother, Elizabeth.
Rachel’s journey to the London Marathon was serendipitous. What started as a seemingly random opportunity has become a meaningful mission, fueled by gratitude and determination. “I’m excited to celebrate my training and raise money for Project Purple,” Rachel says. “If I can do something to help others affected by cancer, that would mean the world to me.”
As she prepares for the marathon, Rachel reflects on its significance. It’s not just about traveling or crossing the finish line – it’s about honoring her mom’s legacy, proving to herself what she’s capable of, and showing that love and support can triumph over even the hardest of challenges.
Elizabeth’s Diagnosis
In June 2021, just before her seventy-seventh birthday, Elizabeth was diagnosed with stage 4 pancreatic cancer. Her family feared they only had a few months left with her. However, after undergoing chemotherapy and radiation treatments, Elizabeth defied expectations and entered remission. She enjoyed nearly a year of good health before the cancer unfortunately returned. Despite undergoing more aggressive chemotherapy, as well as seeking out clinical trials and drastically changing her diet, Elizabeth’s cancer was no longer responding to treatment. She entered hospice care in December 2023, and sadly passed away at home in February 2024.
A Rekindled Passion
Rachel’s love of running began in her teenage years. She remembers approaching her high school’s cross country coach during summer vacation, asking to join the team.
“I started running in high school, and I had always wanted to go out for the cross country team, but I knew how hard it was,” she says. “I finally mustered up the courage. I had never run more than a lap around the track up until then.”
Though Rachel took a break from running for several years, her passion was reignited when her sons, just six and nine years old at the time, decided to start running. “I fell in love with it all over again,” she says.
The Picture That Spoke Volumes
“Mom had a picture of my first finish from my first marathon,” Rachel recalls. At first, she was puzzled as to why her mom kept it. Elizabeth’s response was simple: “I like to watch you run.” Elizabeth, growing up in a time where girls weren’t allowed to participate in sports, took great pride in watching Rachel thrive athletically.
One night, Elizabeth shared a thought that has stuck with Rachel: “I think I would have been a really great runner because I could always beat the boys.” Rachel believes her mom would have been a great athlete if she had the chance to pursue sports, and it became clear that running in her honor was the perfect way to celebrate Elizabeth.
A Lifetime of Support
Throughout her life, Elizabeth was a constant source of love, support, and encouragement. “She drove us about an hour away for music lessons because that wasn’t available in our small farming town,” says Rachel. Whether driving her children to music lessons an hour away or cheering for her grandchildren at their cross country meets, Elizabeth always encouraged their interests and did everything she could to help them achieve their goals.
A Legacy of Resilience
Elizabeth’s resilience continues to inspire Rachel every day. When her cancer returned, Elizabeth was determined to fight, even when treatment was no longer an option.
“She was a stubborn lady,” Rachel shares. “She said, ‘I’m going to fight this thing.’”
Rachel channeled her mom’s strength when she herself was diagnosed with breast cancer shortly after Elizabeth’s diagnosis. Watching Elizabeth navigate her cancer with grace taught Rachel how to face adversity.
“It amazed me how she just kept going. She persevered through everything,” she says. “I hope we share that perseverance and positive outlook on life.
Training for London
Training for the London Marathon has been a challenging yet rewarding experience for Rachel. When she’s having a difficult run, Rachel thinks of her mom’s resilience.
“When runs get hard and the miles are long, I think about what my mom went through, and how she’s twenty-five years older than me. She did all that and did it with grace.”
Fundraising has been an unexpected gift. As a physical therapist, she often hears stories from patients who have lost loved ones to pancreatic cancer, and many have generously donated to her campaign. Their support, along with contributions from her family and friends, has been overwhelming.
Training has also been a team effort. Rachel runs with a group of women that keep each other motivated. “We support and encourage each other when it gets hard,” she says. The group’s camaraderie has helped her stay focused.
A Bittersweet Milestone
Europe holds a special place in Rachel’s heart. Thirty years ago, she traveled to the continent with her mom and grandfather, making memories she now cherishes. After running the virtual London Marathon in 2024, Rachel was inspired to take on the real thing in 2025. This time, she will be supported by her family – her husband, sons, niece, and niece’s fiance – cheering her on from the sidelines.
This will be Rachel’s first marathon without her mom, a bittersweet milestone. Drawing on her mom’s optimism, she views the race as a celebration of her health and strength. “I’m looking forward to celebrating how my body is strong enough to do this,” she says.
To support Rachel Pankratz and her fundraising goals, click here to donate to her page.
If you’d like to run or participate in an event of your own for Project Purple, visit our events page.
