Purple is a color deeply associated with strength, dignity, and perseverance. In the realm of cancer awareness, it represents a rallying cry for the fight against pancreatic cancer, a disease with one of the highest mortality rates among cancers. But why purple? Let’s explore the symbolism and impact of this powerful color in driving awareness and support for pancreatic cancer.
The Symbolism of Purple in Fighting Pancreatic Cancer
Throughout history, purple has been a symbol of royalty, power, and luxury. It was a highly prized color, used by ancient rulers and nobles, often symbolizing wealth and status. More importantly, purple is now synonymous with resilience and courage, characteristics embodied by those fighting pancreatic cancer and their supporters.
Awareness and Unity in Fighting Pancreatic Cancer
Adopting purple as the color for pancreatic cancer awareness provides a unifying symbol for advocacy and visibility. Wearing a purple ribbon or participating in events like World Pancreatic Cancer Day with purple themes creates a collective voice, raising awareness about the urgency of early detection and research funding.
A Beacon of Hope
While the statistics surrounding pancreatic cancer can feel daunting, the color purple offers hope. It encourages a sense of communal support and shared determination to make progress through research, innovation, and education. By standing together under the purple banner, individuals and organizations are empowered to push for breakthroughs that will improve survival rates and quality of life for patients.
The Psychological Impact of Color Purple
Color psychology suggests that purple can inspire creativity and calm, offering comfort to those affected by pancreatic cancer. It creates a sense of trust and understanding, fostering supportive environments where patients can connect, share, and find solace during their journey.
Mama’s Flower Arrangement
Photo I share here has a personal touch. In the days following my dearest Mama’s passing, we were embraced in an outpouring of love through heartfelt notes, letters, and an abundance of flowers. Each gesture was not just a token of sympathy, but a testament of the life Mama lived—meaningful, thoughtful, and deeply cherished by all who knew her.
Among these expressions of love was this breathtaking floral arrangement: a symphony of vibrant and lush blooms. Amongst all flowers in this arrangement, one flower captivated my heart above all: a bold and powerful purple blossom. This singular flower, radiant in its hue, seemed to embody the very essence of Mama’s beautiful spirit, her generous soul, and profound love for music. Fittingly named “Disco Mama,” this arrangement was thoughtfully picked and sent by our dear friend Carol. She found its name a joyful reminiscence of Mama’s lively spirit and good times.
For me, this purple flower is more than a memory; it is a symbol. It embodies dignity, strength, and endurance—qualities Mama consistently displayed throughout her life. The power of purple resonates deeply with the fight against pancreatic cancer, a battle she fought with courage and grace. In this color, I find not just a tribute to my beloved Mama, but a beacon of hope and a call to persevere with the same tenacity and love she imparted to all of us.
Thanksgiving Holiday
It is in sorrow that we do not merely cry but celebrate the lives of those who have left us.
This Thanksgiving Season, a first Thanksgiving after she left us and left this world as we know it, it is still very hard for me to be thankful. I still feel her loss profoundly. But I try to remind myself to celebrate her life. And be thankful for years we have spent together. And be thankful that she was my Mom, my dearest Mama.
Showing Your Support
There are several ways to embrace purple in support of Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month of November:
- Wear Purple: Whether it’s a ribbon, clothing, or accessories, wearing purple can spark conversations and spread awareness.
- Participate in Purple-Themed Events: Many organizations host runs, walks, and fundraisers centered around the color purple to support research and patient support services.
- Illuminate Landmarks in Purple: From buildings to bridges, lighting landmarks in purple during awareness campaigns draws public attention and honors those impacted by pancreatic cancer.
The Journey Forward With Color Purple
The power of purple goes beyond its visual appeal. It serves as a symbol of unity and hope, urging us to advocate, educate, and inspire change. As we don our purple for pancreatic cancer awareness, we strengthen the global commitment to defeating this disease, showing unwavering support for those who need it most.
By harnessing the symbolic strength of purple, we can rally communities, amplify voices, and ultimately, make strides toward a world where pancreatic cancer is detected early, treated effectively, and no longer feared.
Jasminka Vukanovic-Criley MD, FACP, FHM is a multiple award-winning physician, from cancer researcher, internal medicine physician, and Medical School Associate Clinical Professor to entrepreneur. She has mentored many undergraduate, graduate, and postgraduate students and faculty. She is the Principal Investigator on studies from the National Institutes of Health and the U.S. Department of Education creating research-driven #edtech games and digital media to improve health, civics, science education, and healthy habits. Dr Criley is also a founding Board member of Physician’s Weekly. She can be reached on X at @criley_md and at www.linkedin.com/in/jasminka-criley-md