The West Hartford-based Ron Foley Foundation will hold its 13th annual ‘Ron’s Run for the Roses’ fundraiser to fight pancreatic cancer on May 7.

Submitted

It’s been 13 years of festive derby day hats and colorful attire at Ron’s Run for the Roses, the annual Kentucky Derby Day gala that is the signature event of the Ron Foley Foundation which is dedicated to fighting pancreatic cancer. While the last two years were not under the traditional big white tent, and instead socially distanced and virtual, the Foundation is proud to be able to bring the event back to its original format, while still incorporating a hybrid event for virtual guests.

This year’s fundraiser will take place on Saturday, May 7, from 3 to 7:30 p.m. at Folly Farm in Simsbury. Attendees will enjoy mint juleps, food, entertainment, live and silent auctions, and watch the running of the 148th Kentucky Derby live on a big screen.

The Foundation was started by its president, Barbara Foley, to honor the memory of her husband Ron Foley, who lost his battle with pancreatic cancer in 2005. Ron was a respected business leader who had just retired from The Travelers Insurance Company. His family and friends were determined to make a difference in the fight against pancreatic cancer.

The Ron Foley Foundation, Inc. was granted 501(c)(3) status in 2010. Its mission is dedicated to promoting early detection through awareness and education with hopes to find a cure through research and providing patient financial aid. Since 2009 this volunteer-based organization has raised more than $3 million to support its mission.

“Our incredible staff and event committee volunteers produced two unique hybrid events during COVID – they never missed a beat,” said Barbara Foley. “While the events were innovative and very successful, I am beyond thrilled to be back under the big white tent at Folly Farm for our lucky 13th Annual Ron’s Run for the Roses!”

Also in attendance will be WTNH News 8 Co-Chief Meteorologist Joe Furey, who has served as the Master of Ceremonies and Auctioneer of Ron’s Run since 2012; Tim Parker of New Country Motor Cars Group – Hartford, and his team, who have been the presenting sponsor of the event for the past 10 years; and this year’s honorary chair, Dr. Andrew Salner, medical director, Hartford HealthCare Cancer Institute.

“It is sure to be a memorable day with so many friends and supporters of the Foundation,” remarked Foley.

Pancreatic cancer is the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States. The American Cancer Society estimates that about 62,210 Americans will be diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and of those about 49,830 will die from this awful disease. Pancreatic cancer has the highest mortality rate of all major cancers – 94% of patients will die within five years of diagnosis and only 10% will survive more than five years. Seventy-four percent of patients die within the first year of diagnosis.

To purchase tickets to Ron’s Run for the Roses or to make a donation to the foundation please visit their website www.ronsrun.org.

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