County of Monmouth

For Immediate Release:

October 31, 2014

 

Freeholders observe pancreatic cancer month

Nov. 1 is Pound the Pavement for Pancreatic Cancer Awareness

 

FREEHOLD, NJ – Pancreatic cancer is among the deadliest cancers in the United States with no known cause or cure. Freeholders present a proclamation declaring November as Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month in Monmouth County to pancreatic cancer survivor Gregory Stephanides and Jill Rothstein, who lost her father to pancreatic cancer at their Oct. 30 meeting.

 

To help raise public awareness about this devastating disease, the Board of Chosen Freeholders issued a proclamation at its Oct. 30 workshop meeting declaring November as Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month in Monmouth County. November is National Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month.

 

The proclamation, which draws attention to the fact that pancreatic cancer is the deadliest of all cancers, was presented to Jill Rothstein, who lost her father to pancreatic cancer.

 

This year, an estimated 46,420 people in the United States will be diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and it is estimated that 39,590 will die from the disease. Annually, 73 percent of pancreatic cancer patients will die within the first year of diagnosis and 94 percent of patients die within five years. 

 

“There is no cure for pancreatic cancer,” Freeholder Director Lillian G. Burry said. “When symptoms do present, it is usually too late for an optimistic prognosis. The average life expectancy of someone diagnosed with pancreatic cancer is three to six months, so raising awareness is key.”

 

The Freeholders also presented a certificate of recognition to pancreatic cancer survivor Gregory Stephanides of Wall Township.

 

Mr. Stephanides will join the Board and the Neptune Township Committee for the inaugural Pound the Pavement for Purple 5K Run/ 2 Mile Walk on Saturday, Nov. 1 at 10 a.m. at the Veterans Memorial Park at 703 Corlies Ave. to raise awareness and funding for pancreatic cancer research.

 

Proceeds from this Pancreatic Cancer Run/Walk will benefit the Lustgarten Foundation. To date, Lustgarten has provided more than $90 million in pancreatic cancer research support. They also provide in-depth information to patients and their families.

 

Registration is available the day of the run/walk beginning at 8:30 a.m. at Veterans Memorial Park.

 

For more information on the Pound for Pavement for Purple 5K Run/ 2 Mile Walk, email poundforpurple@gmail.com.

 

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