Why We Walk: No matter where you live, you can join virtual Naperville Pancreatic Cancer Research Walk

The Naperville Pancreatic Cancer Research Walk will be a virtual event this year, taking place Sunday, July 19. The walk proceeds go to the Lustgarten Foundation and its research into the disease.

We spoke to Susanne Igneri, national events manager for the Lustgarten Foundation, to learn more.

Q: What does the Lustgarten Foundation do, and whom do you serve?

A: The Lustgarten Foundation is the largest private funder of pancreatic cancer research in the world and has directed $188 million to research since its inception.

Our mission is to find a cure for pancreatic cancer by funding scientific and clinical research related to the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of pancreatic cancer; providing research information and clinical support services to patients, caregivers, and individuals at high risk; and increasing public awareness and hope for those dealing with this disease.

Q: Where do the majority of your donations come from?

A: The majority of donations to The Lustgarten Foundation come from our more than 30 pancreatic cancer research walks and approximately 300 community events held annually across the country, as well as from individual donors and monthly contributors who give to the foundation knowing that 100 percent of every dollar goes directly to pancreatic cancer research.

Q: How many people per year do you serve?

A: As a national organization, we serve pancreatic cancer patients, caregivers, survivors and their loved ones across the country. In Illinois, we have a network of more than 20,000 donors, walkers, community event partners, patients and caregivers who we are honored to serve.

Q: What are some of your programs?

A: There are many ways to get involved with the Lustgarten Foundation. We have walks across the country that people can register to participate in or volunteer at and we have several opportunities to create your own fundraising campaigns to raise vital funds for pancreatic cancer research.

For newly diagnosed patients, caregivers or loved ones, we have a patient information coordinator on staff who can offer resources and assistance and we have our downloadable Navigating Pancreatic Cancer handbook that provides valuable information on this disease.

Our blog and social media channels feature the most up-to-date information on pancreatic cancer research, walks and events, and other topics important to patients and their families. You can join our community by following us at @LustgartenFDN on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter and @the-lustgarten-foundation on LinkedIn.

You also can sign up for our monthly e-newsletter to keep abreast of new developments and visit our website at Lustgarten.org for the latest research information.

Q: Tell us about the virtual event. How does it work? How much does it cost to participate?

A: Due to COVID-19 and restrictions around large gatherings, and because of our commitment to the health and safety of our walk participants, the Lustgarten Foundation moved all spring and summer walks to virtual events.

This allows people from all over the country to support the Naperville Virtual Walk - even if they don't live in Illinois. To get started, simply register and then on Sunday, July 19, head outside for a walk.

Once registered, the Lustgarten Foundation has tools and resources to make it easy to share your participation and to raise funds for pancreatic cancer research. Register for the virtual walk as an individual participant or as part of a team for $25, or you can fundraise for the registration fee.

Q: How can people participate?

A: Though we can't walk together in person, we are still unified in our fight to raise critical funds for pancreatic cancer research.

When you register as a virtual walker in the Naperville walk, you'll join hundreds of participants all coming together for a day of hope and to raise awareness and urgently needed funding for pancreatic cancer research.

To create a sense of community, after your walk, head online to post photos and videos on social media and tag @LustgartenFDN so we can see how you're creating #HOPEFromHome.

Q: How can readers help if they can't participate in the event?

A: We are always looking to grow support for our pancreatic cancer community and encourage people to visit Lustgarten.org for more ways to get involved. Aside from registering for one of our many walks or organizing a community event, people can create their own DIY fundraiser, which could be a birthday fundraiser on Facebook or a cause marketing campaign, where a portion of the item they sell goes toward pancreatic cancer research.

People can also show their support by joining our Partners in Progress monthly giving program or sharing our content across their social media platforms to help us raise awareness for this disease.

Q: What else would you like readers to know?

A: At a time when fundraising has been dramatically affected by the canceled events, your donation matters even more to keep pancreatic cancer research moving at an accelerated pace.

Pancreatic cancer can't wait - and neither can we. Register online for the Naperville Virtual Walk at lustgarten.org/napervillewalk. As always, 100 percent of your donations go directly to pancreatic cancer research.

Virtual Naperville Pancreatic Cancer Research Walk

Who: Benefits The Lustgarten Foundation

When: Sunday, July 19

Cost: Register for the virtual walk as an individual participant or as part of a team for $25.

Details: To create a sense of community, after your walk, head online to post photos and videos on social media and tag @LustgartenFDN.

Register: lustgarten.org/napervillewalk