PARSIPPANY — PurpleStride New Jersey was held on Sunday, November 8 in the Mack-Cali Business Campus. Thousands of people participated in the 5K Run and Family Friendly Walk. At the time this article was published over $321,000 has been raised.
Kenneth Rosato, anchor of Channel 7’s top-rated Eyewitness News This Morning, was the Emcee at PurpleStride New Jersey.
Actor Dan Grimaldi participated at PurpleStride New Jersey 2015 in honor of his wife Florence Grimaldi. Mr. Grimaldi has been a longtime supporter of the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, participating in both PurpleStride New York City and PurpleStride New Jersey in previous years.
PurpleStride is the signature event of the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network. Each year, in communities across the country, tens of thousands of people participate in more than fifty-six PurpleStride events, including PurpleStride New Jersey. These events are critical in raising awareness and funds that advance research and support patients and loved ones with a promise of a better tomorrow.
The Pancreatic Cancer Action Network is blazing new trails in the fight against pancreatic cancer. Join PurpleStride New Jersey and together we will continue to rewrite the book on how to fight this deadly disease.
Karen Kenny “Kick It KK” raised $7,735 in this years event.
Second highest was Chris Quinn raising $6,945 and third highest was Michael Weinstein raising $6,382.00.
A year ago Lisa Eidelberg wasn’t sure if she would make it to a second pancreatic cancer walk as the first year survival rate is only 26%. She is happy to say that she beat those odds and will be walking in her second event. The five-year survival rate of this deadly disease is only 7%; She plans on being one of those survivors, but need a lot more company!! In the last 40 years the five-year survival rate has increased only five points, from 2%. This is unacceptable!! In the next fifteen years, pancreatic cancer diagnosis could increase as much as 55%. An early detection test is crucial or the survivor rate will remain stagnant. Lisa celebrates her life each day and plans on doing so for a long time.
The top ten teams in today’s event are Kick It KK, Team Lisa, Chamslan, Team Frito-Lay, Michaels Purple Army, Team Tals, Central Jersey Warriors, Team Mama W, Team Jane and Team Doherty.
Sponsors of today’s events were: Gold Media Level: WCBS 880, WFAN Sports Radio and ABC Channel 7; National Silver Sponsor(s): Celegne, AbbVie and Silver Allegan.
It is estimated that more than 48,900 Americans will be diagnosed with pancreatic cancer this year, and more than 40,000 will die from the disease. It is the fourth leading cause of cancer death, with a five-year relative survival rate of just 7%. Pancreatic cancer has the lowest five-year relative survival rate of any major cancer.
Historically, pancreatic cancer research has been underfunded. Only approximately 2 percent of the National Cancer Institute’s (NCI) budget is allocated to this leading killer. We know from the relatively high survival rates associated with breast cancer and HIV/AIDS that federal research funding levels matter in the fight to find new cures and directly relate to improved survival rates.
Your donations will help to change these dismal statistics by funding research grants, advocacy efforts, patient support, and awareness activities coordinated by the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network.
This story is in memory of Tonae Bettelli-Van Dyne; Tonae lost her battle on March 9, 2015.
Tonae gave me the inspiration to attend PurpleStride and for the continuous coverage of the annual event held in Parsippany.
If you would like to donate to the event (not to any participant/team member in particular), click here to make a general donation to PurpleStride New Jersey!
