To the Editor:

On Oct. 13 we held our first “Purple Party” at the Surf City Firehouse to benefit the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network. The party was a huge success!

We would like to thank all the businesses who helped sponsor our event, everyone who volunteered their time and helped us, and all the people who attended and took part in our fundraisers. And last but not least, thank you to the Surf City Volunteer Fire Co. for letting us use your hall.

Pancreatic cancer is something that has affected the lives of many who attended. Many of us have lost friends and family. It’s estimated that 44,000 people will be diagnosed with pancreatic cancer this year. Seventy-five percent of these people will die within seven months and only 5 percent will live five years. Pancreatic cancer research is the most poorly funded of the major cancers and yet it’s the most deadly. Two percent of the National Cancer Institute’s approximate $5 billion annual cancer research budget goes to pancreatic cancer research. A new study shows that by 2020 pancreatic cancer will move from the fourth leading cause of cancer death to the second leading cause of cancer death in the United States. This needs to change!

The House of Representatives recently unanimously passed the Recalcitrant Cancer Research Act (H.R.-733), formerly known as the Pancreatic Cancer Research & Education Act. The bill requires the National Cancer Institute to create a long-term plan for pancreatic and other recalcitrant cancers. It includes evaluating its current efforts in the disease and making recommendations on ways to accelerate progress and improve outcomes.

The legislation now awaits a vote in the Senate, and if passed will require the president’s signature to become law. The Pancreatic Cancer Action Network has been very instrumental in working with Congress to get this bill passed and turned into law. You can read more at panCAN.org.

We are tentatively planning the Purple Party II for Saturday, June 22, 2013. With continued support from our fine community, we look forward to helping find a cure for not just pancreatic cancer, but all cancers.

Andy Warren, Diane and Amanda Hoover

Chairpersons, Purple Party