East Meadow Resident Pays Homage to Brother at Pancreatic Cancer Walk

When Paul Spataro lost his brother to pancreatic cancer in 2004, he wanted to do something to help keep his memory alive.

"It was very emotional for me and my family," Spataro, an East Meadow resident, said. "Michael was very important to all of us, and his death touched us all deeply."

While he was watching television, Spataro saw a commercial for the Lustgarten Foundation, which was having a walk to raise money for pancreatic cancer research in the local area.

Spataro did some research into the foundation, and after discovering that 100 percent of the proceeds raised go directly to research, he knew he was in the right place. A short time later, Spataro went to his first walk with the Lustgarten Foundation.

"I went that first year by myself," Spataro said. "I found it to be a very emotional experience."

Spataro met up with others who have been affected by pancreatic cancer, and he found it to be a very enlightening experience. Kerri Kaplan, the executive director of the Lustgarten Foundation, says that the walk helps bring people together that have gone through a difficult time.

"We really feel that the walk unites all of the people that are there in the spirit of hope," Kaplan said. "We have people from all over Long Island and the tri-state area participating."

On Oct. 9, the foundation will be holding its 11th annual pancreatic cancer research walk at Jones Beach in Wantagh, and Kaplan said the goal is to raise $1 million for pancreatic cancer research. There is a $50 registration fee in advance of the walk, and $60 the day of the walk.

"Thanks to research funded by the Lustgarten Foundation, we now understand the genetic makeup of pancreatic cancer more than any other cancer," Kaplan said. "Research is underway to determine targeted therapies to treat the disease, and we’re trying to develop a blood test to help with early detections."

Spataro has been walking at the event every year since he first attended, and last year, Spataro had 17 people walking with him at the event. The most touching moment for Spataro was when he went to the walk the second year with his son, who now attends His son said words that made it all worth it.

"Dad, Uncle Michael would be very proud of this," he said.

For more information on the walk or the Lustgarten Foundation, and for details on how you can donate to the cause, visit their website.