It is the cancer known as the silent killer... Pancreatic Cancer.
     According to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, it is the fourth leading cause of cancer death in the United States.
       And a new report shows an alarming increase in Pancreatic Cancer deaths according to research done by the American Cancer Society.
    By 2020 or sooner pancreatic cancer could be the 2nd leading cause of cancer deaths in the U.S.
As you can imagine it is rare to find a survivor of Pancreatic Cancer.
    However Fox 17 spoke with one man who survived and it telling his story to spread hope.
It is the simple things of life - like using his tools that Lonnie Baxter now appreciates.
Lonnie Baxter says, “I think about that often there are time that it just goes through my mind I might not have made it through.”
In June of 2010 Lonnie was diagnosed with Pancreatic Cancer
Angelina Baxter says, “Just knowing that your partner and this is half of me and he is not there and he is hurting and he is sick - he was very very low - very low lifeless.”
A MRI would deliver devastating news, Lonnie had a cancerous tumor in his pancreas.
Angelina says, “You realize life is so fragile because he is totally completely healthy.”
The Baxters would begin a battle that many diagnosed with pancreatic cancer do not win...
    According to PanCan.org, Pancreatic Cancer has the lowest relative survival rate of any major cancers.
    It is also the most under funded and least studied.
      Jaqueline Starnes says, “Often times you don't hear about pancreatic cancer you hear about a lot of other cancers that are out there and unfortunately when a person it diagnosed with pancreatic cancer it is often too late.”
    Starnes says data is scarce because after being diagnosed- patients don't live very long.
Angelina says, “we were shocked at the survival rates we were shocked at the lack of research we were shocked at the lack of support for this … It's deadly!”
Surgeons were able to remove Lonnie's tumor without sending him through radiation.
    Two years later, Lonnie is one of very few that can call himself a Pancreatic Cancer survivor.
Lonnie says, “It makes me feel real small because like you say one of the few there are just so many that didn't make it - I just thank god everyday that he spared my life.”
Angelina says, “He has made it a point to tell people his story because he says I want people to know that you can survive it.”
Fox 17 is proud to be a sponsor of the first ever Nashville Purple Stride 5k.
    Fox 17’s Erica Shaffer will emcee the event.
    Money raised will help advance research, support patients and create hope for those affected by pancreatic cancer.
    The purple stride is taking place this Saturday at the Hall of Fame Park at 7:30am
    We have provided a link under “fox links” if you would like to donate or sign up. Pancreatic Cancer Survivor Inspires Others