As you may know, my family and I have been deeply affected by pancreatic cancer. My grandma Jeanne Valentine passed away from a short but brave battle with pancreatic cancer in 2000, and Ralph's grandfather Paul Mancuso passed away from pancreatic cancer in 2005. Any one who knew Gram Valentine or Papa Paul knew that they were two of the coolest, kindest, sweetest people you could ever meet. Both were funny, active and vibrant -- well into their seventies! They passed away too early, but truly lived full lives while they were here. I miss them both, but I know they are looking down upon Jake with huge smiles every day.
The Lustgarten Foundation organizes fundraising walks each year, one of which happens right here in New York on on Sunday, July 29th. I am planning to walk this year in memory of my Gram Valentine and Papa Paul. If you would like to donate to this special cause, please visit my team page, Paul's Pride, or my individual page in honor of both Gram Valentine and Papa Paul.
The mission of The Lustgarten Foundation is to advance the scientific and medical research related to the diagnosis, treatment, cure and prevention of pancreatic cancer. Some facts about pancreatic cancer:
• The five-year survival rate for pancreatic cancer is less than five percent
• Despite improved survival rates for many other cancers, pancreatic cancer's survival rate has not changed in 30 years
• Research is our best weapon in the fight against pancreatic cancer.
• For too long, funding for pancreatic cancer research was virtually nonexistent
No comments:
Post a Comment