Marsha Galespie, right, with her friend Carla Glass.

VENTNOR – For her birthday this year, Ventnor resident Marsha Galespie decided she didn’t want presents, only a cure for pancreatic cancer.

A technology novice, Galespie figured out how to set up a fundraiser on her Facebook page. In the days since her birthday on April 11, Galespie has already raise $814 of her $1,000 goal.

Donations go directly to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, she said.

Galespie said she chose the nonprofit because their mission means a lot to her – finding a cure for the disease that took her dear friend Carla Glass.

“My friend battled three years, as millions of other people do,” Galespie said. “There needs to be more research on this horrible disease.”

You can wish Galespe a Happy Birthday, by making a donation right on her Facebook page. Those who are not Facebook friends with Galespie, can donate directly to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, whose mission is “take bold action to improve the lives of everyone impacted by pancreatic cancer by advancing scientific research, building community, sharing knowledge, and advocating for patients.”

More than 60,000 Americans are diagnosed with pancreatic cancer each year. It is the 11th most diagnosed cancer in the United States. Most cancers occur randomly, but about 11% of all cases are hereditary. People who are obese, smoke cigarettes, have diabetes, or those who are of Ashkanazi Jewish heritage are at greater risk.

For more information see, www.pancan.org.

 

Categories: Downbeach

Nanette LoBiondo Galloway

Award winning journalist covering news, events and people of Atlantic County for more than 20 years.