PURPLELIGHT NATIONAL VIGIL FOR HOPE TO BE HELD ON U.S. CAPITOL GROUNDS TO HONOR THOSE STRICKEN WITH PANCREATIC CANCER

(60 Events to Take Place Across the United States on September 30th)

WASHINGTON – An evening vigil honoring the thousands of people stricken with pancreatic cancer as well as the memory of the hundreds of thousands who have died from the disease will be held on Sept. 30 at 7 p.m. on the grounds of the U.S. Capitol. The event, called PurpleLight National Vigil for Hope, is hosted by the National Capital Area Affiliate of the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network.

Among the expected speakers are Dr. Patrick Jackson, chief of gastrointestinal surgery of MedStar Georgetown University Hospital, Dr. Florencia McAllister, 2012 American Association for Cancer Research fellow at Johns Hopkins University, and pancreatic cancer survivor Richard Orr of Washington.

Other speakers will read the names of local survivors as well as the names of people who have died from pancreatic cancer while their loved ones will activate purple glow sticks in their honor. This will be followed by 44 seconds of silence to symbolize the nearly 44,000 people who will be diagnosed with pancreatic cancer this year.  Pancreatic cancer has the lowest relative survival rate of all major cancers. Only 6 percent survive more than five years after they are diagnosed.

Between 200 and 500 people are expected to attend the event, according to volunteer Kristen Sweet, who is organizing the event. The event is scheduled for 7 p.m. in the Upper Senate Park on the U.S. Capitol Grounds between Constitution Avenue and Delaware Avenue NE.  Those interested in attending can register and request to have a name mentioned by visiting www.purplelight.org. The event is among 60 PurpleLight vigils taking place across the country with thousands expected to turn out in honor of a loved one or friend.

To learn more about the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network and the National Capital Area Affiliate, visit www.pancan.org.

About the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network

The Pancreatic Cancer Action Network is the national organization creating hope in a comprehensive way through research, patient support, community outreach and advocacy for a cure. The organization is leading the way to increase the survival rate for people diagnosed with this devastating disease through a bold initiative—The Vision of Progress: Double the Pancreatic Cancer Survival Rate by 2020. Together, we can know, fight and end pancreatic cancer by intensifying our efforts to heighten awareness, raise funds for comprehensive private research, and advocate for dedicated federal research to advance early diagnostics, better treatments and increase chances of survival.

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CONTACT:     

Anne Shimabukuro

Volunteer Spokeswoman

Pancreatic Cancer Action Network - National Capital Area Affiliate

(301) 380 2442 or Anne.shimabukuro@marriott.com