Thousands to Honor Pancreatic Cancer Vigil for Hope in Central Jersey

Local residents, pancreatic cancer survivors and volunteers with the Southern New Jersey Affiliate of the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network will join more than 13,000 people at 80 PurpleLight National Vigil of Hope events taking place in communities across the country on Oct. 27 to turn the country purple, the color of pancreatic cancer awareness. 

The candlelight vigil will commence National Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month in November by remembering those who have fought pancreatic cancer and honoring pancreatic cancer survivors.

“We are proud to be a part of the Third Annual PurpleLight National Vigil of Hope,” states Adrienne Turner, Media Representative. "We welcome the opportunity to come together to gain both comfort and encouragement from one another while drawing attention to pancreatic cancer.

“We are very grateful to have the support of local and national media. Additionally, survivors, families and friends in attendance will be asked to stand, while illuminating their purple glow stick, at the time their or their loved one’s name is read,” states Turner.

This community event is planned entirely by local volunteers and will begin promptly at 5:30 p.m. It will take place at Albert Hinds Community Plaza in Princeton. To register please visit www.purplelight.org. 

Pancreatic cancer has the lowest five-year survival rate of all major cancers at just six percent.  This year, more than 45,000 people will be diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in the United States and more than 38,000 will die from the disease. In fact, 73 percent of patients die within the first year of diagnosis. There are no early detection methods and few effective treatment options exist. 

To learn more about the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network and the Southern New Jersey Affiliate, visit www.pancan.org. 

-- Pancreatic Cancer Action Network