Students across Johnston raise awareness of pancreatic cancer

The month of October has become synonymous with breast cancer awareness. But, did you know the month of November is Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month?

Pancreatic cancer is currently the fourth-leading cause of cancer death in the United States, and it is anticipated to become the second by 2020. Only 6 percent of Americans diagnosed with pancreatic cancer survive more than 5 years. It’s estimated that 73 percent of Americans will die within the first year of diagnosis. In 2014, more than 46,000 Americans will be diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, and more than 39,500 will die from the disease.

You may have heard of pancreatic cancer recently when such famous people as Patrick Swayze and Steve Jobs were diagnosed and later died from this disease. Purple is the color associated with pancreatic awareness.

The Pancreatic Cancer Action Network is a nationwide network of people dedicated to working together to advance research, support patients and create hope for those affected by pancreatic cancer. This national organization creates hope in a comprehensive way through research, patient support, community outreach and advocacy for a cure. The organization raises money for direct private funding of research – and advocates for more aggressive federal research funding of medical breakthroughs in prevention, diagnosis and treatment of pancreatic cancer. In addition, this organization raises awareness.

On Nov. 13, Johnston Public Schools as well as St. Rocco School participated in Pancreatic Awareness Month. Students were encouraged to wear purple in support of “Purple for a Purpose” to wage hope and raise awareness. At the high school, the student council promoted awareness by sponsoring a teachers breakfast. At Winsor Hill Elementary School, students wore purple and participated in a poster contest around the theme “Wage Hope.” Poster winners were Rachael Mendoza, Cameron Veitch, Peri Skouron, Santino Corbo, Chris Alves, Mike Prew, Kenzee Silva, Santino Estrada, Owen Skovron, Ryan Schino, Glorianna Crichlow and Rebecca Clements. These students had their poster displayed in the school foyer. Ferri Middle School, Sarah Dyer Barnes Elementary, Thorton Elementary, Brown Avenue Elementary and St. Rocco School showed their support by wearing purple to raise awareness. In addition to raising awareness and “waging hope,” these schools also helped raise $1,209.50 to assist with research and supporting patients with this deadly disease.

For more information about pancreatic cancer or the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, please visit pancan.org.