Marathon Goddess Julie Weiss will accomplish something few do Sunday when she runs her 52nd marathon in 52 weeks.
Her impetus? Her father, who died from pancreatic cancer in 2010.
Her goal? To raise the visibility of pancreatic cancer.
The marathon? Sunday's ASICS Los Angeles Marathon.
"Through my love of running, my love of life, and my love for my father I plan to raise hope, money, and awareness to the world for those who have been affected by pancreatic cancer," according to Weiss' website.
Based in Manhattan Beach, the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network is also set to benefit from Weiss' actions. The mother of two who also holds a full-time job has pledged to raise $1 million to support the organization's mission.
"Julie is truly an inspiration to all those involved in the fight against pancreatic cancer," said Julie Fleshman, president and CEO of the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network. "Her dedication and passion in honor of her father and all those touched by this devastating disease is remarkable."
As of Thursday, Weiss had raised more than $171,000 toward her $1 million goal.
The determined woman plans to continue running for pancreatic cancer awareness.
"I took on this challenge to honor the courage of people facing pancreatic cancer," said Weiss. "At every race, they are the wind at my back and the angels on my shoulders."
Weiss also plans to run 52 more marathons by 2020 to support the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network's goal to double the pancreatic cancer survival rate by 2020.
Presently, pancreatic cancer's five-year survival rate is 6 percent. The disease is also the fourth leading cause of cancer death in the United States, according to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network.
