Ron Rivera Takes Down Pancreatic Cancer in Memory of His Brother

Carolina Panthers Head Coach Ron Rivera may be used to standing on the sideline, but he is taking center stage to raise awareness for pancreatic cancer.

Coach Ron Rivera rallies participants before PurpleStride.

Coach Rivera became involved with the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network after his brother Mickey was diagnosed with the disease. After just two years, Mickey lost his battle in 2015 at age 56.

Mickey was Coach Rivera’s first and best teammate – which explains why the coach was rallying the Charlotte community at PurpleStride Charlotte just two short months after Mickey passed away from the disease.

“Partnering with the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network allows me to not only honor my brother, but to take action against this deadly disease,” Coach Rivera said. “Too many people have lost loved ones to pancreatic cancer and without increased awareness and more people taking action, we cannot take down the disease.”

Ron Rivera with Mickey and Mickey’s wife.

That’s why Coach Rivera encourages everyone to take part in their local PurpleStride event.

“I encourage everyone to get involved with their local PurpleStride event,” Coach Rivera said. “PurpleStride means a great deal to me and I walk away from the event feeling closer to my brother. There is nothing like seeing a sea of purple and thousands of people dedicating to taking down pancreatic cancer.”

这个足球赛季,你可以打赌的海洋purple is rallying behind Coach Rivera, chanting, “Wage Hope! Wage Hope!”

阅读更多关于PurpleStr罗恩的参与ide Charlotte 2017 Leadership Breakfast here.