Letter to the Editor: SP Resident Takes Charge in Fight Against Pancreatic Cancer

Dear Editor,

I would like to offer a "thank you" to all of our sponsors and participants for making our inaugural PurpleStride New Jersey at the Mack Cali Business Complex in Parsippany a huge success. 

The New Jersey Affiliate of the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network was able to host more than 770 people for a day of music, food and, most importantly, hope in finding a cure for pancreatic cancer. Thank you to the Millburn Patch and the Daily Record for covering the event, as well as our sponsors, LF USA, Osi Pharmaceuticals, Crestron and WDHA/WMTR radio stations.

With their support, we were able to raise more than $150,000 for the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network and alert the public to the staggering circumstances that those with pancreatic cancer and their families have to endure. Pancreatic cancer is the fourth-leading cause of cancer death in the United States, and just 6 percent of patients survive more than five years.  There are no early detection methods and no cure for this insidious disease. More funding needs to be allocated to finding a cure, but we're moving in the right direction. 

Thanks again to all of those involved and we look forward to our second PurpleStride walk next year in Parsippany. For information on how you can help, please go to www.knowitfightitendit.org and put an end to pancreatic cancer as we know it.

Thank you,
Stephanie Poliansky Blash