More people die from pancreatic cancer than breast cancer in the United States, yet general awareness for the disease is lacking in local communities across the country. I invite the South Coast community to shift from pink in October to purple in November in support of Pancreatic Cancer Awareness month and World Pancreatic Cancer Day, taking place November 17.

My dad, Norman Cordeiro of Dartmouth, is the reason I will be raising my voice this November. After a short six-month battle, I lost my dad to pancreatic cancer on March 30, 2014. My dad was taken from me too soon and with little warning. After he passed, I knew that it was time to take action. That is when I got involved the Boston Affiliate of the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network.

The Pancreatic Cancer Action Network is the national organization creating hope in a comprehensive way through research, patient support, community outreach, and advocacy. The organization is leading the way to increase survival for people diagnosed with this devastating disease through a bold initiative — The Vision of Progress: Double Pancreatic Cancer Survival by 2020. To continue to accelerate progress, a goal to raise $200 million by 2020 is also in place. Together, we can rewrite the future of pancreatic cancer.

Below are ways that the South Coast can get involved in the fight against pancreatic cancer:

PurpleLight Boston – The luminaria event will take place on October 16, at the Parkman Bandstand at the Boston Common. The event is free and registration opens at 5 p.m. The ceremony will start at 6 p.m.

Purple Party for Pancreatic Cancer Awareness – This musical celebration will take place on November 13, 12-5 p.m. The event will feature two live musical groups, a DJ and karaoke! The entertainment is free and there will be a cash bar and food for purchase. The Purple Party will be held at the Knights of Columbus hall located at 57 Fairhaven Road (Route 6) in Mattapoisett.

World Pancreatic Cancer Day - On November 17, Boston will join thousands of people across the globe to raise awareness for this deadly disease. Supporters can participate in World Pancreatic Cancer Day by wearing purple and sharing why they have joined the fight using hashtags #WPCD, #InItTogether and #PANCaware on social media. Pancreatic cancer is predicted to become the second leading cause of cancer related deaths in the united states by 2020. The American Cancer Society reports an estimated 53,070 Americans will be diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and approximately 41,780 will die from the disease this year.

It is time to raise our voices for those who no longer have a voice to raise. Together, we can wage hope in the fight against pancreatic cancer.

Sincerely,

Brock N. Cordeiro