Locals Will Walk Sunday to Raise Cash for Pancreatic Cancer Research

When an ill-researched cancer took her mother's life two years ago, a Rye woman brought a community together to fundraise for a cure.

Tara Shanes-Hernandez hopes for a repeat performance this Sunday, April 10, when she gears up to organize the Second Annual Westchester Pancreatic Cancer Research Walk as a tribute to her mother and life-long advocate of helping others, Gigi Shanes-Hernandez.

“I’ve just continued her drive and devotion to helping others,” she said of her mother’s legacy.

More than 500 people expected to come together for the walk this weekend at Rye Town Park and Playland Park in Rye.  

Shanes-Hernandez said she hopes the event will not only raise money, but help inform people about the little-understood cancer.

“It can happen anywhere: men, women, anywhere, ethnicity, gender, and even young people can develop it,” she said.

Last year, the organization raised $129,000 with the help of friends and neighbors. This year, that number has reached $200,000 by adding over a hundred more participants.

Proceeds from the event will go directly towards the Lustgarten Foundation for Pancreatic Cancer Research, the country's largest private supporter of pancreatic cancer research.

According to the American Cancer Society, pancreatic cancer is the fourth-leading cause of death overall—proving that anyone can be a victim.

So it shouldn't come as a surprise that many locals, like Armonk resident and Miss Westchester Teen 2011, Samantha Gold, have personal stories about the disease.

In memory of her grandfather, who passed away just six weeks after diagnosis, the 17-year old will now lend her star-power this weekend to the fight.

“You don’t need a crown and a sash to do good things,” said Gold, “but [the crown and sash] sure do get a lot of attention. I’m so grateful to be able to focus that attention on a cause so near to my heart.”

Local politicians like Congresswoman Nita Lowey, Assemblyman George Latimer and the mayor of Rye, Douglas French, will also be in attendance.

For those who want to show their support, walking isn’t the only way to contribute. Any volunteers willing to pass out food and drinks, cheer and draw face painting are welcome to come join in the fun. Contact Suzanne Beck at (516) 803-2913 or email SBeck@cablevision.com for more information.

A raffle filled with goodies, including tickets to a Yankees game, seats to a Broadway show and beauty products from local merchants will be sure to sweeten the deal.

Pre-registration fee is $50, and walk-in registration fee is $60.

Registration will begin at 8 a.m. and the walk will begin at 9 a.m. this Sunday, April 10, at Rye Town Park/Oakland Beach and Playland Park, Rye, NY.

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