To the editor:

We would like to invite the community to the 4th Annual Fairfield County Pancreatic Cancer Research walk sponsored by the Lustgarten foundation on Sunday, October 5, at the Bethel High school track. The 2.5 mile walk is an event for the whole family and will prove an enjoyable way to heighten awareness while raising critically needed funds for research. Registration begins at 9 am and the walk begins at 10 am.

Pancreatic cancer is the fourth leading cause of cancer deaths in this country. This year alone, more than 43,000 individuals will be diagnosed with this disease and nearly as many will die from it.

My mother was diagnosed at 49 years of age and lost her battle to this devastating disease almost 17 years ago. Unfortunately, survival rates have not changed much in the past 20 years. The walk inspires me and gives me hope that advances will be made. However, I know that this is only possible with more research which is why I have joined forces with the Lustgarten foundation. As the nation’s largest private supporter of pancreatic cancer research, the Lustgarten Foundation understands that research is our best weapon in the fight. Thanks to the commitment by Cablevision to underwrite the foundations administrative expenses, 100 percent of every dollar donated goes directly to pancreatic cancer research.

I walk to honor my mother and all those in the midst of fighting this deadly disease. Please join us on Sunday and give patients a fighting chance!

For more information and to register for the walk, visit wwww.lustgarten.org or call 1-866-789-1000

Julie Dunn

Co-Chair

Far Horizon Lane, Sandy Hook                           September 28, 2014