Morris County Freeholders Declare Nov. 17 'World Pancreatic Cancer Day'

MORRIS COUNTY, N.J.– The Morris County Board of Freeholders are declaring Nov. 17 as World Pancreatic Cancer Day in Morris County.

The freeholders have designated this day, "to help call attention to this hard to diagnose, quick moving and very deadly disease that will take more than 1,300 lives in New Jersey this year," said Morris County Communications and Digital Media Manager Larry Ragonese.

Added Freeholder Director Kathy DeFillippo: “This is part of a worldwide initiative to deal with the growing problem of pancreatic cancer, one that effects many residents in our state and many people right here in Morris County."

The freeholders are also encouraging residents to participate in Purple Stride New Jersey 2016, which is slated for Nov. 13 at the Mack Cali Business Campus in Parsippany.

The Purple Stride 5-K run and family friendly walk is the major annual fundraiser for pancreatic cancer research and assistance, Ragonese said.

“Pancreatic cancer is one of the deadliest of all cancers," said Sandi Field, chairwoman of the Northern New

Jersey Affiliate of the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network. "Early detection is vital to deal with this disease. Unfortunately, the causes of most pancreatic cancers are unknown and symptoms are usually subtle, often attributed to less serious medical conditions."

Pancreatic cancer has an 8 percent survival rate, Field said.

An estimated 53,000 people in the U.S. will be diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 2016, with some 42,000 expected to die, she added.

“The good health and well-being of Morris County is enhanced as a direct result of increased awareness about pancreatic cancer and research into early detection, causes, and effective treatments,’’ said DeFillippo, who urges all county residents to wear purple on Nov. 17 to show support for the effort to fight pancreatic cancer.

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Pictured: Freeholder Doug Cabana, Sandi Field, and Freeholders Kathy DeFillippo and Hank Lyon.

Photo courtesy County of Morris