The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Group aids those with pancreatic cancer
An Alpharetta-based nonprofit continues to bring hope to those affected by pancreatic cancer while fundraising crucial donations needed to further cancer research.
Founded in 2009 by Maria Fundora, Purple Pansies Inc. continues to honor the life of Iluminada Milian, who passed away from complications of cancer in 2007.
Now in its 11th year, the nonprofit spreads awareness of the disease, funds local and national clinical trials, and strives to help find an early detection test that Fundora’s mother never had access to.
Fundora said pancreatic cancer has the highest mortality rate of all cancers but only receives 6% of research funding. “Besides the funds we are raising for research and awareness, we are supporting local families as well and getting grants to support those families that have been impacted by pancreatic cancer,” Fundora said. “I’m very proud of that.”
Fundora said Purple Pansies is completely volunteer, meaning more of the funds raised can go directly toward a huge way to thank donors while remember ing her mother.
“For me, it is a continuing way to be able to honor her life and honor her legacy, as she was a human being and individual of kindness,” Fundora said. “Even coming from an extremely poor fam- ily, she was still extremely resilient and continued to grow.”
Fundora said the nonprof- it’s original fundraising goal was $650,000, but that this donating. year, “we have an anony
In September, Purple Pan- mous donor that will match sies will host its 11th Annual those funds if we raise those Gala, which Fundora says is funds.”
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Fundora held the first fundraiser for pancreatic cancer in 2008 on the Mother’s Day after her mom passed away. She raised around $3,000 for a nonprofit in California and was encour- aged to start a grassroots organization after that successful Mother’s Day.
“It brings me great happiness to continue to honor my mother’s life and that she is still alive, because I am a believer that love never dies,” she said.
Item: Decatur (DeKalb)
A reader sent us a litany of roads for fixing.
“DeKalb County needs to fix numerous potholes on Birch Road, Sweetbriar Road and Mistletoe Road, which are off North Druid Hills Road. Additionally, there is a huge pothole in the righthand lane on North Druid Hills Road and on the hill/ bridge over rail tracks and heading toward Clairmont Road,” wrote Anne Palmer.
Palmer suggested the co u nty hire a full-t i me employee or use a current employee to ride all the roads between Lawrenceville High- way and Briarcliff Road so potholes can be discovered and repaired in a prompt manner.
“Many thanks for your great job in making roads safer,” she added.
We sent her concerns to DeKalb County and will keep you updated.
Days on the list: 2
Who’s looking into it: Communications Manager Andrew Cauthen, acauthen@ dekalbcountyga.gov
Update: Senoia (Coweta)
In November, we told you about an upset resident in Coweta County. At the end of the year, officials placed signs at the intersection of Ga. 16 and Pylant Street in Senoia. The concerned commuter asked what kind of construction was going on at the intersection and when
We want tips from across metro Atlanta. Send your tips and photos to johntct1212@ gmail.com. the project would be finished.
The project, funded by the city and the state, would correct the 38-degree angle intersection with the highway to a 90-degree angle. In their report, DOT officials said the project would also enhance pedestrian activity by the installation of a sidewalk along Pylant Street and provide a pedestrian connection to the city’s park trailhead.
City officials said last week the project would finish early next year after receiving a request from the construction company to add days to the contract for rain days.
Days on the list: 180
Who’s looking into it: Senoia City Manager Harold Simmons, hsimmons@ senoia.com