Above / Organizer Ann Zediker, far right, and family are grateful to more than 900 participants, a record number, who showed up for the 2019 Pancreatic Cancer Research Walk that began and ended at the Naperville Riverwalk Grand Pavilion. One-hundred percent of every dollar raised goes toward research. In 2019, the tally for the annual fundraising event was more than $104.6K. The 2020 fundraiser will be held virtually on July 19. At 7PM today, Sat., July 18, bells will begin ringing at Rotary Hill to heighten awareness.
Update, July 18, 2020 / This day when the carillon bells will begin ringing at 7PM to raise awareness for pancreatic cancer research, we are remembering the active life of John Lewis, known as “a lion of the civil rights movement” (AP) who served in the U.S. House of Representatives for 34 years. The Georgia Congressman died late Fri., July 17, 2020, at age 80. In December 2019 Lewis announced that he had been diagnosed with advanced pancreatic cancer. Condolences to all.
2020 Tribute Carillon Concert is set for 7PM July 18
Originally posted, July 8, 2020 / Naperville City Carillonneur Tim Sleep will perform a special tribute concert at 7PM on Saturday, July 18, 2020 on the 72-bell Millennium Carillon in Moser Tower. Moser Tower is located at Rotary Hill along the Riverwalk at 455 Aurora Avenue, across from Naperville Central High School.
The concert will feature sounds such as the Apple ringtone to honor Steve Jobs and “R-E-S-P-E-C-T” as a tribute to Aretha Franklin. Both Jobs and Franklin died from pancreatic cancer. The performance will last approximately 45 minutes.
Two options are available for listening. The bells can be heard in the adjacent parking lots. Spacious Rotary Hill can accommodate outdoor listeners with plenty of room for social distancing.
The concert will be held rain or shine with the exception of lightning and wind speeds in excess of 35 mph. Follow Phase 4 protocols with respect for social distancing and CDC guidelines.
“We also are hoping to have a third listening option—steaming through Facebook Live @ LustgartenNaperville,” said organizer Ann Zediker.
Virtual Pancreatic Cancer Research Walk is July 19
Then on Sun., July 19, join Zediker and other community members touched by pancreatic cancer by participating in the Lustgarten Foundation’s Virtual Pancreatic Cancer Research Walk.
Due to COVID-19, this year, the walk will be held virtually. Registered walkers can participate from wherever they live and walk as individuals or start teams and share photos and videos from their walk on social media. One hundred percent of all donations go directly to pancreatic cancer research.
According to the American Cancer Society, this year, more than 57,000 people will be diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, and 47,000 people will pass away from the disease in the United States—including nearly 2,000 Illinois residents.
To help change these statistics, the Naperville walk has raised nearly $700,000 since inception for pancreatic cancer research and has brought together more than 4,000 walkers, all committed to finding a cure.
To register in support of the July 19 virtual walk, visit www.lustgarten.org/napervillewalk.
Editor’s Note / Today we’re reflecting on what the community has learned about the importance of medical research during nearly a decade of the Pancreatic Cancer Research Walks since attending the first event back in 2011. The goal again this year is to raise $90,000. Cheers to the success of Ann Zediker and all the dedicated fundraising teams.
To link to past stories posted on this website, use the search tool for “Pancreatic Cancer.”
