‘Golden Bachelorette’ Joan Vassos Is Raising Funds For Pancreatic Cancer In Honor Of Late Husband

“Golden Bachelorette” Joan Vassos is honoring her late husband by partnering with the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCAN) to serve as an ambassador for the PanCAN PurpleStride to raise funds to end pancreatic cancer.

Vassos, 62, poignantly announced her PanCAN PurpleStride team, “Its Just a Sprain,” on Valentine’s Day, after her late husband John Vassos died from the disease at age 59 in 2021. After he was diagnosed on Feb. 14, 2019, he maintained his optimistic and hopeful attitude, often saying, “It’s just a sprain.” His friends and family still wear bracelets bearing the phrase in tribute.

“Many of you know how important advocating for pancreatic cancer is to me,” Vassos said in a statement. “My husband John was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer on Valentines Day in 2019. Despite his valiant, courageous, and hopeful journey, he lost his battle on Jan. 18, 2021. I am so grateful to partner with PanCAN, giving us the opportunity to honor Johns memory in a way that would have been meaningful to him — by helping others.”

PanCAN PurpleStride, the ultimate walk to end pancreatic cancer, will be taking place in nearly 60 communities nationwide on April 26.

Vassos and her team will be participating in PurpleStride Washington D.C., and she’s calling on fellow reality stars, friends and fans to donate to her team and participate in the walk to help fight to end pancreatic cancer. As team captain, Vassos has a goal of raising $100,000 for PanCAN.

According to PanCAN, pancreatic cancer remains the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the U.S., and is on its way to becoming the second-leading cause. It is the only major cancer with a five-year survival rate below 20%.

Pancreatic cancer is particularly deadly because the symptoms can be vague, or appear like other conditions, so it often isn’t diagnosed until the disease is in the late stages. Finding and removing pancreatic tumors early is critical.

Unlike the other four of the five deadliest cancers — lung, breast, prostate and colorectal cancer — there is no standard screening strategy for pancreatic cancer.

To help meet the urgent need for research, funding and awareness, PanCAN PurpleStride brings together survivors, caregivers, families, researchers, healthcare professionals, and supporters to raise funds and spread awareness.

Vassos gained public recognition when she appeared on “Golden Bachelor” in 2023, but she left the show early to be with her daughter, who was struggling with postpartum depression. She returned to lead “The Golden Bachelorette,” and found love with fiancé Chock Chapple.