Once again this year, South Dakota’s State Capitol turns purple later this month to honor those who have died, survived, provided care for or lost loved ones to pancreatic cancer.
The Light the Capitol Purple for Pancreatic Cancer Awareness starts at 3:00 p.m. CDT. Sunday. Oct. 27 in the Capitol Rotunda in Pierre. It is the first ever statewide event organized to celebrate not only the lives lost to pancreatic cancer, but also to pay tribute to the survivors, patients, caregivers and families as well.
“This is a type of cancer that unfortunately has become a common form of cancer, especially in people at a younger age,” says organizer John Moisan of Fort Pierre, who is a pancreatic cancer survivor. “This horrible disease kills about 160 South Dakotans each and every year. Since 2001, almost 1,800 of our fellow South Dakotans have died from pancreatic cancer.”
Dr. Joshua Reineke, a pancreatic cancer researcher at South Dakota State University, will be the guest speaker. Music will be provided by the T.F. Riggs High School Chamber Choir. Pierre physician Dr. Tom Huber will be the master of ceremonies. Dr. James Szana will provide piano event prelude music. Accompanists will be Karen Lindblood, piano; and Randy Royer, guitar.
November is Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month. This is the fifth year for this ceremony. Moisan says the Light the Capitol Purple event is designed to bring awareness to all of those impacted by any type of cancer, especially pancreatic cancer.
“Until you, a loved one or a friend has dealt with cancer, you don’t truly understand how it changes your life,” says Moisan. “This event is a way to honor those we have lost, but also those who continue to fight every day and those who care for them.”
Limited seating is available in the Rotunda for the event. Signing for the deaf will be available. The event also will broadcast on the internet at www.drgnews.com.
