Pancreatic Cancer Association

Pancreatic cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths. One of our greatest defenses against this disease is simply awareness. Because of this the Arkansas Pancreatic Cancer Association holds an event every year to honor those who are fighting against this disease and those who have lost the fight. Each year it takes place on the steps of the Arkansas State Capital.

Although it rained for quite a while, when the sky cleared and the stars came out it was a beautiful sight. During the ceremony they read aloud a list of names of beloved friends and family who had pasted from pancreatic cancer. As the name of your loved one was called you would snap a purple glow stick and hold it in the air to honor them. By the time they finished we had lit up the front steps of the state capital in purple.

Jessica Thompson, the community volunteer director of the Arkansas Pancreatic Cancer Association, and I at the event.

Jessica lost her father to pancreatic cancer in 2007. He was diagnosed in February of that year and passed away in July at 54 years of age. Hearing Jessica share her story was moving and seeing the passion that she had for this organization was inspiring.

I’m truly excited to see what’s next for this organization and I hope to attend many more events in the future.

Love,

Haley
Miss Teen International 2013