Purple Light is the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network's annual event at the Pennsylvania Capitol Building in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania honoring loved ones who have bravely fought the battle against pancreatic cancer. We came together to honor loved ones who have passed away from the disease, are currently fighting against it and those who are survivors. We read off all of their names and lit purple glow sticks as the names were read off during the ceremony. A local choir was in attendance and they sang the anthem from Relay for Life which was just beautiful! We also made luminaries for each person who has fought the disease and placed them on the capitol building's steps. And then as dark fell upon us, the capitol building was lit up purple (which is the color for pancreatic cancer). It was a very meaningful and powerful event for all who attended. I lost my father to pancreatic cancer in January 2006 and have been volunteering my photography services in the years since his death. Below are just some of my photos from the event.
The luminary I made to honor my father,
Dr. Sam Heard, an emergency room physician.
A survivor (which is very rare since 73% of patients pass
away within the first year of being diagnosed and less than
6% of patients survive after 5 years from being diagnosed)
posing in front of the capitol building.
The 5 survivors from the event.
Angela Lynch - lead volunteer - who helped to put on the event.
Marilyn Murphy - main speaker - as she told the story of
her late husband whom she lost to pancreatic cancer.
The sanctuary choir of Trinity United Methodist Church
from Camp Hill, Pennsylvania being directed by Matthew
Dickinson singing "I'll Make the Difference" (words
and music by Moses Hogan - written for Relay for Life).
A group of people saying a prayer
My luminary at night honor my late father.
The Pennsylvania Capitol Building lit
up in purple for the event.
Supporters in attendance at the event.
Here's a photo of me at the event.
