I would like to take a moment to sincerely thank all of our participants for making our first Purple Light Vigil for Hope a success.
The Northern New Jersey Affiliate of the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network was able to bring over 150 people to Papaianni Park in Edison to remember and honor those fighting pancreatic cancer and those who have lost their battle to this insidious disease.
Over the past month, we have been able to raise awareness and more than $252,000 for the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, a national organization fighting pancreatic cancer in a comprehensive way through research, patient support, community outreach and advocacy for a cure. Pancreatic cancer is the fourth leading cause of cancer death in the United States, with just 6 percent of patients surviving more than five years, according to information from the National Cancer Institute (NCI) and the American Cancer Society.
Despite these terrifying statistics, the NCI only allocates 2 percent of its research funding to pancreatic cancer. We would also like to thank the Edison/Metuchen Sentinel for covering the vigil and Edison Mayor Antonia Ricigliano for allowing us use of the park for our event, as well as the Edison Recreation Department and police staff. It is through events like our PurpleStride 5K Walk/Run and PurpleLight New Jersey that we can make a difference in this fight. You can find out more information at pancan.org
Todd Cohen Edison