Above / Moser Tower aglow with purple highlights last November is a reminder of folks coming together along the Riverwalk to remember World Pancreatic Cancer Day. Musical tributes performed on the 72-bell carillon recognized notable artists and actors who died from pancreatic cancer, including Aretha Franklin, Luciano Pavorotti, Henry Mancini and Jack Benny, to name four. (PN File Photo 2020)
November is the month when the world raises awareness about pancreatic cancer research.
Simply put, purple is the official pancreatic cancer color. Whenever the color purple pops on the scene, be reminded of needs to help heighten awareness for pancreatic cancer research and bring attention to the devastatingly deadly disease.
The third Thursday of November is World Pancreatic Cancer Day. That’s today, Nov. 18, 2021. For several years on this day individuals and families have gathered at Moser Tower when it’s been illuminated with purple lights in preparation for a carillon concert performed by City Carillonneur Tim Sleep. Songs selected honor family, friends, artists and actors who have died from pancreatic cancer, a dreaded cancer that currently comes with a poor prognosis.
Throughout the world, folks also come together to raise awareness about the symptoms and risks of the disease, as well as the persistent need for education and earlier detection.
Locally, for a decade, Ann Zediker has led the way with the Lustgarten Walk in the summertime that begins and ends at the Riverwalk Grand Pavilion.
“We continuously try to expand our local efforts beyond the day of the walk,” said Zediker, who now teams up with Jen Tedrow to run the walk. “We usually light the carillon purple in November and have a tribute concert in honor of World Pancreatic Cancer Day. While we weren’t able to schedule those this year due to the carillon construction, we are continuing our outreach and support of those in the community who want to make a difference against pancreatic cancer.”
“We met Peyton Milligan, a high school junior, at our 2021 Lustgarten Walk, and have stayed in contact,” said Tedrow. “Peyton’s an incredible young lady, and we are inspired by her hard work, creativity, and determination to make a difference in honor of her godmother who passed away from pancreatic cancer in 2020.”
Tedrow explained that Milligan has her own business, Handlettered for Hope, selling unique handmade creations including signs, bags, cards and decor.
Milligan set up Handlettered for Hope as a vendor at the Naperville Farmer’s Market every Saturday this last summer and fall, with the pledge to donate 50 percent of all sales to the Lustgarten Foundation for Pancreatic Cancer research.
“Every dollar donated to Lustgarten goes directly toward research, which makes it an incredible charity and a cause that is very personal for Peyton and her family,” added Tedrow, noting that from sales at the farmer’s market alone, Handlettered for Hope was able to donate $1,311 to Lustgarten.
“It’s Peyton’s hope that this is the first in a long line of donations,” said Tedrow. “Although the Farmer’s Market is closed for the season, she is launching a website that will feature the same lovely handlettered goods, while still giving a portion to charity.”
Framed art by Handlettered for Hope provides an appropriate message for the Lustgarten Walk.
Handlettered for Hope is featured on Instagram at @handletteredforhope. Email Milligan with any business inquiries at info@handletteredforhope.com.
“Working with Peyton was a highlight of this November, as well as having Aurora Police Department participate in our ‘No Shave November’ initiative,” added Zediker.
“We are so appreciative of Peyton’s efforts to honor her godmother, and that she is using her talents to give hope to others.”
2022 Lustgarten Walk is set for July 17…Save the Date!
Zediker and Tedrow continue to be enthusiastic about the success of local efforts that grow each year for pancreatic research.
“After the success of our 2021 walk, we are happy to announce that we will be back at the Naperville Riverwalk for our Lustgarten walk in 2022 on Sun., July 17,” said Zediker.
“We were thrilled to be back in person in 2021 and had such incredible support from the community,” said Tedrow. “We’re currently working on plans for another great event at the Riverwalk in July 2022.”
For more information about the hopes and successes of the Lustgarten Foundation, the largest private funder of pancreatic cancer research, visit www.lustgarten.org.
