EDISON — Supporters donated more than $27,000 for pancreatic cancer research during the recent “Run and Walk for a Cure,” and many more will support the cause during an upcoming softball fundraiser.
The Middlesex County Office of Health Services and the Middlesex County Chronic Disease Coalition, in conjunction with the Edison Municipal Alliance, held the run/walk event at Roosevelt Park in Edison on June 11 to raise community awareness about the disease and raise funds to aid research, according to a statement prepared by the Middlesex County Office of Communication.
“I can’t thank the participants enough for taking their time to help us help others. We anticipate our donations to continue increasing with our softball tournament on July 16 and continued donations,” said Freeholder Director Ronald G. Rios, who spearheaded the event.
Rios said more than $110,000 was raised through the event over its first seven years. The funding is put toward pancreatic cancer research and clinical trials that are ongoing at the Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey (RCINJ). Donations directly to the RCINJ will be accepted through the end of the year.
“For eight years now, this event has provided an opportunity to increase awareness, raise funds and educate individuals about pancreatic cancer,” said Freeholder H. James Polos, chairman of the Public Safety and Health Committee. “As the fourth leading cause of all cancer deaths in the U.S., the support for this event has a significant impact in overcoming a deadly disease.”
A co-ed softball tournament is scheduled for July 16 at Warren Park in Woodbridge to help support the fundraising efforts. Registration and rules can be found at www.middlesexcountynj.gov.
According to the National Cancer Institute, an estimated 53,070 new cases of pancreatic cancer will be diagnosed in the U.S. in 2016. It claims about as many lives each year as breast cancer, while grappling with a much lower survival rate.
“Middlesex County’s dedication to this annual event will enable RCINJ physician-scientists to expand clinical trial options and precision medicine and immunotherapy research to improve the lives of those with pancreatic cancer. We are grateful to the county and its residents for their continued support,” said Joan Russo, chief development officer for the RCINJ Foundation.
The Middlesex County Office of Parks and Recreation, the Middlesex County Office of Communication, Middlesex County Reprographics, Roosevelt Care Center, Middlesex Water, and Greater Media’s WCTC 1450 AM supported the cause.
“Middlesex County is committed to providing the highest quality of life for our residents,” Rios said. “As you can see by the number of individuals and groups supporting this event, we have outstanding partners in the community who share our goal.”
To donate and to learn more, visit http://cinjfoundation.donordrive.com.