Our beautiful husband and father Franco passed away on March 6th, 2019, at age 52, one month after his second diagnosis of pancreatic cancer. Franco was first diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 2008, but because it was caught early and he was able to have the Whipple procedure, we were blessed with 10 additional years with our beloved Franco. My family is forever grateful for all of his doctors and the medical personnel for their gifts of healing and care.
We miss him so. One of the ways that we plan to celebrate him is by participating in the NJ PurpleStride event on Saturday, April 26th, 2026. Franco spent 10 years advocating for those impacted by this terrible disease, passionate to raise awareness and offer hope. It is important that we continue his legacy of compassion and care.
We'd love it if you would considering joining our Friends of Franco team and stride with us. If you aren't able to join, take a walk or go for a run that day (or any day!) with Franco in your heart.
We'd also ask that you consider making a donation to our Friends of Franco team. Every dollar that you donate ensures that the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network can continue working to create better outcomes for pancreatic cancer patients and their families.
To kickstart this special fundraising event, my brother Jonathan organized another Pancreatic Cancer Awareness soccer game with his Pequannock Girls Varsity Team. (And they won, with my freshman niece Rose scoring the first and winning goal of the game-amazing!!). Appreciate the many years that his team has hosted a game like this in Franco's memory.
Additionally, the Highland Park Girls Varsity Soccer Team is hosting another Pancreatic Cancer Awareness game. (Even with Ana away in her first year at University of Michigan!) So grateful this team is also continuing to help us WAGE HOPE in honor of Franco-he LOVED watching Ana and Noah play soccer.
The five-year survival rate for pancreatic cancer continues to increase and is now 13%. Our goal is to see pancreatic cancer reach a five-year survival rate of 20% by 2030. This deadly disease has stolen our best and our brightest, but it can?t take away our determination.
Our family is here, together with all of you, to continue Franco's goal to raise awareness and advocate for more funding and research to fight this terrible disease.
Purple ribbons aren?t enough. Please join us in the fight today.
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