Letter to the Editor: Volunteer to Beat Pancreatic Cancer

April is Volunteer Appreciation Month, and I would like to take a moment to sincerely thank all of our volunteers with the New Jersey Affiliate of 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 for all their hard work and support.  

The New Jersey Affiliate of the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network has over 40 active volunteers who have given their time to fighting the fourth leading cause of cancer death in the United States. Pancreatic cancer has the lowest survival rate of any major cancer with a five year survival rate of just 6 percent. There are no early detection tools, few effective treatment options and there is no cure. Despite these statistics, research into this deadly disease is severely under-funded by the National Cancer Institute, with a mere 2 percent of its funding dedicated to pancreatic cancer research.  

Volunteers with the New Jersey Affiliate of the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network are fighting to change the course of this disease.  With the help of our dedicated volunteers, the New Jersey Affiliate was able to hold one of the nation’s largest pancreatic cancer awareness sporting events with the Somerset Patriots. 

Last November our dedicated volunteers planned a community event called PurpleStride New Jersey that had over 700 participants and was able to raise more than $150,000 for pancreatic cancer research and patient support.    

It is because of our dedicated volunteers that we can make a difference in this fight. Thank you again to all of those involved. To learn about volunteer opportunities and how you can become involved in the fight against pancreatic cancer please visit www.pancan.org.    

Together we can make a difference.  

Sincerely,

Stephanie Blash

Springfield, New Jersey