My heart goes out to the family of Steve Jobs, his friends and colleagues. He was an American icon and one of the greatest visionaries of our time. His passing is a great loss for our country.
I did not know him personally but I shared something in common with him – pancreatic cancer. My own father passed away from pancreatic cancer merely 10 months after his diagnosis, despite leading a healthy and active life.
Although Mr. Jobs battled a rare form of pancreatic cancer, his passing, if due to the disease, serves as a harsh reminder of the relentlessness of this deadly cancer and the lack of pre-screening methods and effective treatment options available.
We must take action to ensure scientific progress is made to give pancreatic cancer patients a fighting chance.
We need our members of Congress to cosponsor and pass the Pancreatic Cancer Research and Education Act (S-362/H.R.-733) so that we will have the necessary funding to make true progress against this disease.
To learn more about this important legislation and how you can make a difference, visit www.KnowItFightItEndIt.org.
November is designated as National Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month. You can help raise awareness by attending New Jersey’s second annual PurpleStride 5K Walk/Run at the Mack Cali Complex in Parsippany on Nov. 6 and the PurpleLight Vigil for Hope in Edison on Nov. 20.
I hope all those inspired by Mr. Jobs will honor his memory by joining the fight against pancreatic cancer. Together we can know, fight and end this deadly disease.
Jill Rothstein Freehold Township