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Please contact info@projectpurple.org or call (203) 714-6052.
EAST ISLIP, N.Y. — Project Purple is proud to announce the second annual Steps for a Cure 5K in honor of James DiGiovanna. The event will take place on Sunday, May 31, at Heckscher State Park in East Islip, NY, at 9 a.m., or virtually from anywhere.
This is the second 5K in honor of James, initiated by his son, James DiGiovanna Jr., who hopes to build upon last year’s impressive turnout of over 150 participants raising over $17,000 for pancreatic cancer research and patient aid.
“I’m hoping to see even more people come out and support the cause so we can continue growing, spreading awareness, and making an even bigger difference together,” James Jr. said.
To register or donate to early detection research and a cure in James’ honor, visit projectpurple.org/steps-islip. If you register before May 1, you can receive a James DiGiovanna Steps for a Cure t-shirt to sport on event day.
To learn more, visit projectpurple.org/steps-islip or contact info@projectpurple.org.
James’ Legacy
In February 2023, James Sr. was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. He sadly passed away a year after his initial diagnosis in January 2024.
James was an Ex-Chief, Fire Commissioner, member of the Great River Fire Department in Great River, NY, and a member of the Islip Town Fire Chiefs Council. Additionally, he was the proud founder and president of DiGiovanna Bros. Landscaping, Inc. and a member of the St. Mary’s Rosary Altar Society.
James is remembered as an active person. He was a triathlete, Iron Man, and longtime runner, which makes the 5K a perfect way to honor his legacy.
“It just felt like the ultimate fit, and it’s something that everybody can do. If you can’t run, you can walk,” James Jr. said. “He would be happy as long as somehow, some way, you cross the finish line.”
Heckscher State Park is a location significant to the DiGiovannas, a place they went as a family during their childhood.
“It was right in our backyard,” James Jr. recalled. “Actually, one of the entrances was our side yard. So we would go in there all the time as a family, we would take a walk, we would take a run, we would ride our bikes.”
Project Purple has become the nation’s leading provider of patient aid to many families fighting pancreatic cancer. Your participation directly supports Project Purple’s national Patient Financial Aid Program and provides critical funding for the advancement of early detection testing and protocols.
“It’s our time to rally behind him all together,” James Jr. said. “This is for him. We are continuing his name and his legacy. And we want a world without pancreatic cancer. That’s ultimately what we want, and everybody should get screened, do testing, and do genetic counseling. That’s what this 5K is about.”
James Jr. was incredibly moved by all of the support this event received last year and is excited to see the impact this year’s event will have.
“Seeing so many people come together not just to support the cause, but to honor my dad, was truly powerful. It meant a lot to witness that kind of love and unity, and it really showed how many lives he touched,” James Jr. said. “Having everyone rally together like that made the event feel bigger than just one day—it felt like a lasting tribute and a reminder that we’re all in this together.”
Community Support
If you are interested in becoming a sponsor for this event, contact Ryan@projectpurple.org.
About Project Purple
Founded in 2010, Project Purple is committed to creating a world without pancreatic cancer while improving care and outcomes for patients and their families. Since its inception, the organization has invested over $5.5 million into research, with a strong emphasis on early detection initiatives, including foundational funding for Hartford HealthCare’s High Risk Pancreatic Cancer Screening Program, multiple studies at Duke University School of Medicine, and numerous other groundbreaking projects.
In addition to research, Project Purple has awarded more than $1.5 million in patient aid, assisting over 1,500 patients & families to focus on treatment and care rather than financial stress.
To learn more about Project Purple, visit projectpurple.org/about.
