While on spring break this week we received an email about the upcoming Westchester Pancreatic Cancer Research Walk in Rye on Sunday April 22nd. We wanted to pass along information on this important event right away:

The email from Tara Shanes-Hernandez:

Three years ago TODAY my life changed forever! I am personally affected by pancreatic cancer as my mom, and life-long Rye resident, Gigi Shanes-Hernandez, was a fabulous woman and mom who died way too soon at the young age of 52 three years ago today on April 9, 2009.  My mom dedicated her life to caring and advocating for children and adults with disabilities in Westchester County and Greenwich, CT. In memory of my amazing mom, I have organized the Westchester Pancreatic Cancer Research Walk in Rye, my mom’s hometown.  I also who grew up in Rye on Tyler Circle. I look forward to bringing awareness and advocacy of this deadly disease to my community.

Please take a look at the video of last year’s inspiring walk:

http://www.kintera.org/faf/home/ccp.asp?ievent=1003116&ccp=624096 

Thank you for joining us at last year’s walk! I would like to invite you again in less than two weeks on Sunday, April 22nd, 2012 for the 3rd Annual Westchester Pancreatic Cancer Research Walk in memory of Gigi Shanes-Hernandez, a fundraiser for pancreatic cancer research, advocacy, and awareness.   I’m excited about looking out at Rye Town Park to see hundreds of walkers and volunteers in purple (PC awareness color), ready to walk in hopes of a cure and create a day of hope and inspiration.  My mom will be looking down on us with pride and happiness.  

The walk will take place on the morning of Sunday, April 22 starting at 9:30 AM with registration starting at 8AM. The walk will begin in Rye Town Park in Rye, NY and proceed along the seaside path through Playland Park.  Gigi, a lifelong Rye resident, loved taking walks along scenic Long Island Sound with family and friends.  Last year’s “Westchester Pancreatic Cancer Research Walk” raised over $306,000 for pancreatic cancer research with 800 participants in attendance.  All the money raised will be donated to The Lustgarten Foundation for Pancreatic Cancer Research, the country’s largest private supporter of pancreatic cancer research, where 100% of every donation goes directly to research. www.lustgarten.org

Pancreatic cancer is one of the deadliest cancers, in fact 75% of all those diagnosed with pancreatic cancer pass away within the first year of diagnosis. Pancreatic cancer is the fourth leading cause of cancer death in the United States—and has the highest mortality rate of all the major cancers. More than 44,000 individuals will be diagnosed and nearly as many will die from it this year alone.  A lack of early detection methods, vague symptoms, limited treatment options, and unique research challenges are all reasons why the disease kills nearly all who are diagnosed.  According to the National Cancer Institute, the overall 5-year relative survival rate for pancreatic cancer is just 6 percent.  Despite these numbers, pancreatic cancer receives the least amount of federal research dollars among all leading cancers (only 2%).

Westchester Pancreatic Cancer Research Walk Website: http://2012westchesterwalk.kintera.org

With Gratitude,  Tara Shanes-Hernandez

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