Statistics show that in Gibraltar nearly 60 persons have died from pancreatic cancer over the past 8 years, 96% dying within 5 years of diagnosis with an average survival rate of 9 months.
November was Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month and last year saw the inaugural “Purple Relay” organised by Louis Baldachino, founder of the Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Gibraltar Charitable Trust.
On Saturday 9th November, the second Cancer Relief Gibraltar took part in the “Purple Relay” organised by recognising the impact that pancreatic cancer can have.
This year’s relay started with 4 athletes, Sean Collado, Ian Yates, Garai Torres and Carl Val Lagunomo – covering 4 different venues, each having a significant connection to Pancreatic Cancer. The idea of the Purple Relay is to raise awareness
The relay itself, starting in the Casemates Square covered 4 different locations with relay batons being delivered to each location respectively, each with an individual message inscribed. Once delivered, the batons aredisplayed in an appropriate or prominent place, acting as a symbol of the Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Campaign our appeal and the relay itself is a “reminder” from the Charity of our appeal.
Symptoms of pancreatic cancer are vague and can therefore be mistaken for other common health problems. Patients often don’t show symptoms at all until the disease is advanced. The first baton in the relay is delivered to the GHA staff at St. Bernard’s Hospital and carries an important message to medical professionals – “Think Pancreatic Cancer Sooner.” The second baton is delivered to Public Health Gibraltar at the Europa Sports Complex, raising awareness to the general public of the symptoms and the risks factors of pancreatic cancer.“Get to Know the Symptoms.”
Cancer Relief Gibraltar received the third baton at our Centre on South Barrack Road which carried a message to those who may be fighting the disease and encourages them to keep fighting with the message “Never Lose Hope.” The baton represents the charity’s support for their work done in inspiring patients to never give up in their fight.
The final baton is delivered to the Survivors Group and Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Gibraltar back at Casemates Square. The baton held by survivors represents the charity’s support to survivors to continue sharing their stories to inspire others. Members of the public were invited to join the relay for the final jog from Cathedral Square back to Casemates.
We were delighted to take part once again with a team of our Hospice nurses, volunteers, trustees and staff waiting at the Centre to receive the baton from the athletes. The purple relay is a fantastic initiative that carries a poignant message in the fight to turn the tide against pancreatic cancer. Although we are Cancer Relief, we aim to support and work closely with our cancer charities in Gibraltar. There are many different types of cancer. Our collaboration in the purple relay highlights our shared commitment with other charities and institutions to create positive change and to improve the prognosis for pancreatic cancer patients in Gibraltar.
