Our story
A mother’s art, a daughter’s mission
Connie Erickson died of pancreatic cancer in 2015. Her daughter, Susan Jonas, has spent the years since raising money for research through PurpleStride walks, Connie’s own artwork and the foundation’s events.
Connie and Susan
In Susan’s words
My mom, Connie Erickson, passed away Sept 12 2015 after battling pancreatic cancer for 18 months. Since then, I have made it my mission to raise money for pancreatic cancer research to ensure others can receive the support they deserve.
Connie’s Creations
A shoebox of note cards, kept in a closet
While helping her dad pack up the family home in Arizona, Susan found a shoebox full of her mother’s Zentangle note cards. Connie had made them and put them away.
Connie was a humble artist who made art because she loved it. Susan thought the cards were too beautiful to stay hidden, and she asked her dad whether she could reproduce them and sell them to raise money for pancreatic cancer research. He agreed, and Connie’s Creations began.
From one box of cards to a full line
Susan had the art professionally printed on high-quality note cards and began selling them. Each box holds 10 different designs.
The line has grown since. Most of Connie’s artwork now appears on boxed note cards, canvases, ceramic tiles, cutting boards, ornaments, art prints and magnets. We sell them at shows throughout Kentucky, Ohio and Michigan, and every sale goes toward pancreatic cancer research.
Connie’s artwork
Calligraphy and Zentangle, in her hand
When people see Connie’s art, we like to say, it speaks to them instantly, offering comfort, inspiration and hope when they need it.
Connie’s Crusaders
Our PurpleStride years
The foundation’s team, Connie’s Crusaders, began walking in PurpleStride 5K run/walks in 2015 and became the #1 PurpleStride fundraising team by 2017.
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2015
The team’s first PurpleStride.
5Kthe “walk where you are” run/walk
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2016
The team walked in the Nashville PurpleStride and in the first Louisville PurpleStride, finishing as the second top fundraising team.
$10,000+donated to pancreatic cancer research
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2017
The team became the #1 PurpleStride team.
$21,000+raised for pancreatic cancer research
The team no longer walks with PurpleStride. The foundation now raises money through its own events, Connie’s Creations and donations.
Where things stand
The work continues
Susan’s goal has not changed. The team will keep going until they hear the words “a cure has been found for pancreatic cancer.”
Help fund pancreatic cancer research
Your support funds research and helps families facing the disease. Give online, join an event or shop Connie’s Creations.