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Pancreatic Cancer Research Walk set for Feb. 18

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Registration is open for an annual walk that raises funding for pancreatic cancer research.

The 6th Annual Southwest Florida Pancreatic Cancer Research Walk will take place on Feb. 18 at 10 a.m. at the Florida SouthWestern State College in Fort Myers, with registration open at 8:30 a.m.

Proceeds from the fundraiser will benefit the Lustgarten Foundation in New York. Suzanne Kennedy, event co-chair with Steven Witter, explained that 100 percent of every donation goes into research.

“The foundation is the leading provider for research for pancreatic cancer,” she said.

“Every penny that’s donated goes directly to research,” Kennedy added.

Last year, the local walk raised approximately $95,000.

“There were about 300 people,” she said.

Kennedy noted that the goal this year is to raise $100,000.

“We are way away from it,” she said. “We are lagging this year and I don’t understand why.”

The start of the walk will highlight survivors and will be led by the U.S. Marines.

“It’s designed to be cheerful, uplifting, hopeful,” Kennedy said of the event.

Participants can register as an individual or sign up as a team.

The registration cost is $50 in advance or $60 day of.

“They get an event T-shirt,” she said.

Also included is a continental breakfast, water and sandwiches after from Jersey Mike’s Subs.

“It’s all free,” Kennedy said.

The keynote speaker is Dr. Mark Bloomston, a surgical oncologist with 21st Century Oncology.

“We have some survivors who are going to be speaking, too,” she said.

Live entertainment will be provided by a deejay.

“There will be face painting,” Kennedy said.

Organizers are also trying to secure a slide for the on-site activities.

Pancreatic cancer merchandise, like scarves, hats and bracelets, will be available for sale.

“Everything goes to research,” she said.

There will also be a 50/50 raffle.

“Most people that come or participate have a connection to pancreatic cancer,” Kennedy said. “Unfortunately, it’s surprising how many people have a connection to pancreatic cancer.”

She initiated the walk after losing her husband to the disease.

“This is a way that I felt like I could fight the disease,” Kennedy said.

Her co-chair, Witter, also lost his spouse to pancreatic cancer.

An estimated 50,000 people are diagnosed each year with the disease.

“About 10,000 of those survive,” she said.

Kennedy explained that if the cancer is found soon enough and surgery is still an option, and if the surgery is successful, the person has a chance of surviving for maybe another five to seven years.

“There are no early detection tests,” she said.

“Research is the only hope,” Kennedy added.

To register in advance, visit online at: SWFPCwalk.com/.

For more information about the 6th Annual Southwest Florida Pancreatic Cancer Research Walk, visit the event website or contact Kennedy at 239-415-3886 or jjswalk.curepancreatic.cancer@gmail.com.

Florida SouthWestern State College is at 8099 College Parkway, Fort Myers.