The Ron Foley Foundation held a ‘Purple Candlelight Vigil of Hope’ in West Hartford on Thursday.

Barbara Foley speaks at the Ron Foley Foundation Purple Candlelight Vigil of Hope in West Hartford on Nov. 16 to raise awareness about pancreatic cancer. Photo credit: Tony SIsti

By Ronni Newton

Nov. 16 was World Pancreatic Cancer Day, and shortly after dark the grounds of the Veterans Memorial in West Hartford Center were aglow in purple, raising awareness about one of the deadliest forms of cancer.

The Ron Foley Foundation hosted its annual Purple Candlelight Vigil of Hope Thursday night, raising awareness and honoring and remembering those touched by pancreatic cancer. Roughly 50 people attended the vigil and several shared their stories at one of the many activities the Ron Foley Foundation is holding throughout the month of November.

Ron Foley Foundation Purple Candlelight Vigil of Hope in West Hartford on Nov. 16 to raise awareness about pancreatic cancer. Photo credit: Tony SIsti

The “Battle of the Bars” is ongoing throughout November and is a friendly competition between participating restaurants and bars in support of Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month. Bartenders will create a signature purple cocktail, and proceeds from the drink sales go to the Ron Foley Foundation. The bar that raises the most will be the winner of the RFF trophy and will be able to display it proudly throughout the year!

Participants are asked to snap a photo of their purple cocktail and tag the Ron Foley Foundation (@ronfoleyfoundation) for a chance to win two tickets to the organization’s annual Kentucky Derby gala in May. Participating West Hartford restaurants are: Artisan, Beachland Tavern, Barcelona, Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse, Rockledge Grille, Rosa Mexicano, Sparrow Pizza Bar, and Zohara – as well as several eateries in other area towns.

The Ron Foley Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in West Hartford, that was started by Barbara Foley, who remains the president of the organization, to honor the memory of her husband Ron Foley, who lost his battle with pancreatic cancer in 2005, shortly after his retirement from Travelers.

“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 nearly $4 million to support its mission,” the organization’s website states.

A sea of purple candles at a Ron Foley Foundation vigil in West Hartford on Nov. 16 to raise awareness about pancreatic cancer. Photo credit: Tony SIsti

A sea of purple candles at a Ron Foley Foundation vigil in West Hartford on Nov. 16 to raise awareness about pancreatic cancer. Photo credit: Tony SIsti

Ron Foley Foundation Purple Candlelight Vigil of Hope in West Hartford on Nov. 16 to raise awareness about pancreatic cancer. Photo credit: Tony SIsti

Ron Foley Foundation Purple Candlelight Vigil of Hope in West Hartford on Nov. 16 to raise awareness about pancreatic cancer. Photo credit: Tony SIsti

Ron Foley Foundation Purple Candlelight Vigil of Hope in West Hartford on Nov. 16 to raise awareness about pancreatic cancer. Photo credit: Tony SIsti

Ron Foley Foundation Purple Candlelight Vigil of Hope in West Hartford on Nov. 16 to raise awareness about pancreatic cancer. Photo credit: Tony SIsti

Ron Foley Foundation Purple Candlelight Vigil of Hope in West Hartford on Nov. 16 to raise awareness about pancreatic cancer. Photo credit: Tony SIsti

Ron Foley Foundation Purple Candlelight Vigil of Hope in West Hartford on Nov. 16 to raise awareness about pancreatic cancer. Photo credit: Tony SIsti

Ron Foley Foundation Purple Candlelight Vigil of Hope in West Hartford on Nov. 16 to raise awareness about pancreatic cancer. Photo credit: Tony SIsti

Ron Foley Foundation Purple Candlelight Vigil of Hope in West Hartford on Nov. 16 to raise awareness about pancreatic cancer. Photo credit: Tony SIsti

Ron Foley Foundation Purple Candlelight Vigil of Hope in West Hartford on Nov. 16 to raise awareness about pancreatic cancer. Photo credit: Tony SIsti

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