Devastated by the loss of her father in 2010 to pancreatic cancer, Julie Weiss channeled her mourning into an audacious quest – run 52 marathons in 52 weeks to raise money and awareness for the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network.

Today the Run Walk Ride Fundraising Council honored Weiss’ achievement by presenting her with the Cash, Sweat & Tears Award at the council's annual conference in Atlanta.

“The Cash, Sweat & Tears Award recognizes the passion of millions of people who take on physical challenges and raise money from friends, family and colleagues for important causes,” said David Hessekiel, president of the Run Walk Ride Fundraising Council. “Julie embodies the spirit of the award through her breathtaking achievement as a runner and fundraiser.”

Kicking off her journey with the Rome Marathon in March 2012, Weiss spent a year traversing the United States and Canada to complete a marathon every weekend. Between races, Weiss, a mother of two, continued to work full time. She spent her rare free moments soliciting donations and generating publicity for the fight against pancreatic cancer, the fourth leading cause of cancer death in the United States. In addition to honoring her father’s memory, Julie dedicated each marathon to people afflicted by the disease. On March 17, Julie will complete a project few would ever dream of taking on by running the 2013 ASICS LA Marathon, her 52^nd marathon in as many weeks. To date, her fundraising exceeds $143,000.

“Julie is truly an inspiration to all those involved in the fight against pancreatic cancer. Her dedication and passion in honor of her father and all those touched by this devastating disease is remarkable,” stated Jenny Isaacson, vice president of community engagement for the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network. “On behalf of the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, we are so proud of Julie and our team can’t wait to cheer her on as she crosses the finish line of her final marathon in this journey. And, we congratulate her on receiving the Cash Sweat and Tears Award. ”

Each year, the Run Walk Ride Fundraising Council invites nonprofit organizations with athletic event fundraising programs in the U.S. and Canada to nominate one inspiring participant for the Cash, Sweat & Tears Award. Every nominee is recognized with a certificate of merit. This year, Julie Weiss received a trophy, a commemorative running shirt documenting her achievement created by GoodThreads, a package of apparel and athletic footwear from New Balance, and a $1,000 contribution to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network underwritten by Blackbaud.

With only one marathon left to go in her extraordinary 1362.4 mile journey, Weiss is looking to finish strong with an influx of donations to Pancreatic Cancer Action Network through her website www.marathongoddess.com.

Learn more about this amazing journey and the Cash, Sweat & Tears Award at www.cashsweatandtears.com.

About the Run Walk Ride Fundraising Council: The Run Walk Ride Fundraising Council provides managers of athletic event fundraising programs with practical information, valuable connections and recognition for outstanding achievement via www.runwalkride.com, conferences, workshops and distance learning programs.

About the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network: The Pancreatic Cancer Action Network is the national organization creating hope in a comprehensive way through research, patient support, community outreach and advocacy for a cure. The organization is leading the way to increase the survival rate for people diagnosed with this devastating disease through a bold initiative — The Vision of Progress: Double the Pancreatic Cancer Survival Rate by 2020. Together, we can know, fight and end pancreatic cancer by intensifying our efforts to heighten awareness, raise funds for comprehensive private research, and advocate for dedicated federal research to advance early diagnostics, better treatments and increase chances of survival. To learn more visit www.pancan.org.

Peer-to-Peer Professional Forum

Peer-to-Peer Professional Forum

The Peer-to-Peer Professional Forum provides managers of athletic event fundraising programs with practical information, valuable connections and recognition for outstanding achievement via www.peertopeerforum.com, conferences, workshops and distance learning programs.

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