Police Fundraiser In Mendham Twp. Will Benefit Organization That Fights Pancreatic Cancer

MENDHAM, NJ — Participating Mendham Township police officers don’t plan to shave in November, to raise awareness about pancreatic cancer, as well as funds for an organization fighting it.

The police are doing so in honor of Michael Monaco, a retired lieutenant recently diagnosed with this type of cancer, who served 31 years with the Newton Police Department.

In Monaco’s honor, the officers who decide to “put the razors down,” will be donating to Purple Pansies, the organization where Monaco has asked prospective donors to consider making a donation.

“This charity was chosen by recent retiree Lieutenant Michael Monaco of the Newton Police Department in Sussex County,” Mendham Police explained in their social media post. "Lt. Monaco was recently diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and we would like to show our support by each of us donating to this cause."

“Please keep him in your prayers and feel free to donate as well,” they wrote.

The nearby Washington Township Police Department in Long Valley is also coordinating its own no-shave fundraiser in Monaco’s honor.

According to Purple Pansies, more than 60,000 are diagnosed yearly with pancreatic cancer, which they say is the third leading cause of cancer fatalities in the country, with 10 percent having a five-year survival rate and only six percent federal funding helping the cause.

Part of the battle, the Purple Pansies website indicates, is early detection, with about 91 percent of people diagnosed with pancreatic cancer having found their cancer metastasized before they received their diagnosis.

For more information about the Purple Pansies organization, visit www.purplepansies.org.

Questions or comments about this story? Have a news tip? Contact me at: jennifer.miller@patch.com.