South Dakota’s State Capitol in Pierre S.D. turns purple on Sunday, November 1, to honor those who have died, survived, provided care for or lost loved ones to pancreatic cancer.

The sixth annual Light the Capitol Purple for Pancreatic Cancer Awareness ceremony starts at 3 p.m. CST in the Capitol Rotunda in Pierre. It is the only statewide event organized to celebrate not only the lives lost to pancreatic cancer, but also to pay tribute to the survivors, patients, caregivers and families as well.

“Unfortunately this ceremony is needed each year because more South Dakotans die each year from this disease,” said organizer John Moisan of Fort Pierre, who is a pancreatic cancer survivor. “We must not only remember those who have died, but everyone who is impacted each day by this horrible disease.”

Dr. Jonathan Bleeker of the Sanford Cancer Center is the keynote speaker. Pierre physician Dr. Tom Huber is the master of ceremonies. Music is provided by Jim Szana and Moriah Gross.

Due to the pandemic, seating is limited to only 75 people and those attending are urged to be there 30 minutes prior to the ceremony. Those entering the state Capitol will need to go through the Capitol screening process. Masks will be provided and attendees will be encouraged to social distance.

People who are sick are encouraged to stay home. The event also will broadcast on the internet at www.drgnews.com. Last year, more than 13,000 people in all 50 states and 72 foreign countries watched the ceremony on the internet.

November is Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month. Moisan said the Light the Capitol Purple event is designed to bring awareness to all of those impacted by any type of cancer, especially pancreatic cancer.

“All types of cancer, including pancreatic, change the lives of people and families each and every day,” Moisan said. “We honor all of them through this ceremony.”

Sponsors are: State of South Dakota Buildings and Grounds, Oahe Light and Sound, Sanford Clinic, Pierre; Sanford Cancer Center, Sioux Falls; Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, Dakota Radio Group, Let’s Win! Pancreatic Cancer, Avera Health Systems, Avera St. Mary’s Foundation, Avera Helmsley Cancer Center, State of South Dakota Department of Human Services, Beck Motors, Lustgarten Foundation, Seena Magowitz Foundation and American Cancer Society.

Watch It Live: www.DRGnews.com

Media Contact: John Moisan at (605) 280-1750