PARSIPPANY — More patients die from pancreatic cancer than breast cancer, making pancreatic cancer the third leading cause of cancer-related death in the United States. Additionally, only 9% of patients live five years. To change the course of this disease, the New Jersey Affiliate of the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network is inviting the community to attend PurpleStride New Jersey: The Walk to End Pancreatic Cancer.
The event takes place during Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month on Sunday, November 11 at the Mack Cali Corporate Complex, One Campus Drive, days before World Pancreatic Cancer Day on November 16. PurpleStride will raise much needed awareness and funds to support the mission of the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network to advance research, support patients and create hope. Their goal is to raise $545,000.
To register and to learn more click here.
“We’re saving lives at PurpleStride New Jersey,” stated Sandi Field Affiliate Chair of the New Jersey Affiliate of the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network. “Every stride we make directly impacts the course of this disease. Our community needs this uplifting celebration of hope that unites families affected by the deadliest cancer. It’s time to take action against pancreatic cancer and make vigorous steps to double survival by 2020!”
The family-friendly 5K timed awareness walk/run will include:
• Registration at 7:30 a.m., Opening Ceremonies begins at 9:00 a.m. Special guest: Erin Willett
• 9:30 a.m. 5K Run/Walk Begins
• 11:00 a.m. Closing Ceremonies
• Kid-friendly activities and “purple play zone”
• Opening ceremony featuring live entertainment
• National Gold Sponsor: AbbVie and Ipsen
• Gold Sponsor: RWJ Barnabas and Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey
• National Presenting Sponsor: Celgene
• Gold Media Sponsors: WCBS/FM and WFAN
• Regional Silver Sponsor: Immunovia
The American Cancer Society reports an estimated 53,670 Americans will be diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and approximately 43,090 will die from the disease this year. The Pancreatic Cancer Action Network is working to double survival by 2020 by continuing to directly fund research, advocate for increased funding and resources from the national government, raise awareness through community outreach, and provide excellent patient services and support for novel initiatives like Clinical Trial Finder, Know Your TumorSM personalized medicine service and the Patient Registry.
We love animals just as much as you do! However, due to safety and liability reasons, pets are unfortunately not allowed at Pancreatic Cancer Action Network events. Service animals are, of course, welcome.
Learn more about how you can support your local New Jersey Affiliate and the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network by clicking here.
Special Guest will be Erin Willett. Willett brings her raw energy to New York City by way of Gaithersburg, Maryland. With the musical influence of her father, a member of the 1960’s band The Newports, Erin has music in her blood. Growing up in the 90s, pop records constantly rotated in her walkman. Every Sunday her outlet for music was church choir, were she became enamored with gospel singers and soul performers. This vocal ability combined with fascination from the performances of her brother’s punk bands, produced a powerful performance style that is all her own.
During season 2, Erin became a semi-finalist on NBC’s hit show The Voice. Known for her powerhouse vocals and infectious spirit, she became one of the final two contestants on Blake Shelton’s team. Following the show, she released her self-titled debut EP which is available on iTunes. Erin has also opened for notable acts including Twenty One Pilots, Adam Lambert, and Third Eye Blind.
She continues to give back as an Influencer of Hope for The Pancreatic Cancer Action Network; an organization fighting the disease that took her fathers life in 2011. Along with songwriters Liz Russo and Tova Litvin, she helped co-write and performs the Anthem of Hope for PanCan, “Hope’s Alive”. The single can be found on all music streaming and downloading platforms and the first $1 Million raised from the sale of “Hope’s Alive” will go to Pancreatic Cancer Action Network. Erin is slated this year to perform “Hope’s Alive” at PurpleStrides all over the country. The funds raised during the 5K Run/Walk series will help to continue research, educate the public, and provide services that give current and future pancreatic cancer patients a chance for survival.
After a lifelong struggle with her weight and body image issues, Willett had the opportunity to compete in the fall of 2015 on Season 17 of NBC’s The Biggest Loser. During the airing of the show Yahoo.com exclusively premiered her single “Out of the Darkness” chronicling her struggle with depression and self discovery. At the Live Finale Erin lost an astonishing 87 Pounds and the following day Billboard.com exclusively premiered the music video for the single. Following the show, Erin partnered with Planet Fitness and toured the the country; engaging in conversations about lifestyle change, leading fitness classes, and sharing her own weight loss journey. She maintains a healthy lifestyle with an affinity for spin and hot yoga classes. In addition,Erin is an avid runner and has completed five half-marathons.
Erin brings her eccentric, jubilant attitude to the radio waves and can be heard on a number of Entercom stations throughout the east coast as an on-air personality. She has filled-in on morning shows such as WNEW’s The Karen & Jeffrey Show, WIAD’s The Tommy Show, and WCBS FM Scott Shannon in the Morning.
In 2018, Erin is will continue to release new music. Her new single “Try” with Brooklyn based producer, DULSAE, is out August 10th! You can catch her performing with her lively 7- piece band as well as her acoustics shows as The Erin Willett Trio around the NYC area.
