PRECEDE Foundation Featured in Long Island Press for Upcoming “Light the Way” Gala

October 21, 2025

Giselle Sieverts

The PRECEDE Foundation is honored to be featured in the Long Island Press for its upcoming Light the Way Gala, taking place on Tuesday, October 28, 2025, at Tribeca 360º in New York City. This inaugural event will bring together leading scientists, philanthropists, patients, and advocates to raise critical funds to accelerate the early detection of pancreatic cancer—one of the most challenging and deadly cancers to diagnose in time.

Uniting for Hope and Early Detection

With a current five-year survival rate of just 13%, pancreatic cancer remains one of the most difficult cancers to treat. The Light the Way Gala will directly support the PRECEDE Consortium’s groundbreaking research focused on advancing early detection tools, improving screening, and expanding patient-focused programs that aim to increase survival rates to 50% within the next decade.

Dr. Diane Simeone, Director of Moores Cancer Center at UC San Diego and Founding Director of the PRECEDE Consortium, shared:

“When someone says they have pancreatic cancer, the room often falls silent. It’s fast-moving, painful, and notoriously difficult to detect early. But thanks to the PRECEDE Consortium, that silence doesn’t have to mean hopelessness.”

A Global Effort to Save Lives

The PRECEDE Consortium represents a global initiative reimagining pancreatic cancer detection and care. With more than 9,000 high-risk individuals enrolled across 60 academic institutions worldwide, PRECEDE is leading international collaboration through centralized data, open science, and shared learning to address a global health crisis head-on.

Honoring Leaders, Survivors, and Advocates

Guests attending the Gala will enjoy an evening program featuring Emmy-winning journalist Kate Bolduan as emcee and Katie Couric as presenter. The night will include a live auction, inspiring patient stories, and recognition of this year’s honorees:

Catalyst for Change Award – Ambry Genetics Corporation
Nobility in Science Award – Dr. Raymond C. Wadlow
Legacy Awards – Jeffrey Johnson, Esq. & Jonathan Morris, Esq.
PRECEDE Leadership and Compassionate Care Award – Jessica Everett
Voice of Hope Award – Ivy Duneier

PRECEDE Foundation Board President Jamie Brickell, a pancreatic cancer survivor, reflected:

“When I was diagnosed in 2020, early detection saved my life. Too often, patients don’t get that chance. PRECEDE is working to make early detection the norm rather than the exception. This Gala is about giving families hope and supporting the science that can transform outcomes.”

Powered by Generosity and Collaboration

The Light the Way Gala is made possible thanks to the generosity of sponsors including Ambry Genetics (Presenting Sponsor), Inova (Friend Sponsor), and Eversheds Sutherland and Troutman Pepper Locke (Community Sponsors), among many others. Their support helps sustain PRECEDE’s mission to improve early detection and survival for patients worldwide.

Knowing When To Ask For Help

There’s strength in recognizing when you need additional support. If you’re feeling consistently overwhelmed, anxious, or depressed, it may be time to speak with a healthcare professional. Warning signs can include ongoing sleep trouble, loss of appetite, or emotional numbness.

Mental health care is an important part of cancer recovery. There are therapists, social workers, and cancer-specific counselors trained to support your unique needs. Don’t hesitate to seek them out.

Your medical team can help adjust medications or recommend physical therapy if your symptoms are impacting your daily life. Being honest about your struggles allows your care providers to offer better, more personalized support.

The path to recovery from pancreatic cancer is rarely straightforward. It’s a mix of triumphs and setbacks, strength and vulnerability. But through each high and low, healing is happening. Be gentle with yourself. Allow space for rest, reflection, and growth.

You don’t have to go through this journey alone. With the right support, emotional, physical, and practical, you can move forward, one step at a time. And remember, every day you show up for yourself is a victory.

At TrovaNOW, we’re focused on finding a cure for pancreatic cancer. Every test and discovery brings us closer to better treatments and saving lives. Join us and learn more at TrovaNOW.