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The 'Star Trek' Cast Raises Money For Pancreatic Cancer Research

Star Trek is one of the most iconic TV shows of all time! The legendary cast is coming together to help an important and personal cause.


Jonathan Frakes and Armin Shimerman are best known for their roles in Star Trek.

The co-stars are now battling in a friendly rivalry in Trek Against Pancreatic Cancer, a benefit event to raise awareness and funds to help fight pancreatic cancer.

Shimerman and his wife, actress Kitty Swink, unfortunately know the disease all too well.

"I am one of the lucky survivors of this disease. I had it 17 years ago. At that time, 4% of the people who were diagnosed had a five-year chance of survival... it's 10 now, that's not enough," Swink said.

The disease also hit Frakes' family, as he lost his brother Daniel to pancreatic cancer in 1997.

"Obviously it changed the dynamic of our family. When Daniel died, there was a 3% survival rate. We've got to raise some money and do some research," Frakes said.

The trio is now teaming up for a virtual event, trying to raise money for the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network through their #PurpleStride event on May 1st.

"People need help and PanCan provides that. Kitty is an example of hope, she's a survivor, which means that you can survive this disease. PanCan is trying to make sure that everybody does that," Shimerman said.

To register for #PurpleStride's virtual walk and for more information, click here.

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Andrea Laurenti