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CVMS students support Purple for a Purpose
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Neighbors | Abby Slanker.Canfield Village Middle School sixth-graders Jake Billak (right) and Cory Rose supported Purple for a Purpose to raise awareness for pancreatic cancer by wearing purple on Nov. 13. Billak spearheaded Purple for a Purpose at CVMS in honor of his aunt, who passed away last year from pancreatic cancer.
By ABBY SLANKER
Canfield Village Middle School went all purple thanks to sixth-grader Jake Billak and his desire to raise awareness for pancreatic cancer Nov. 13. The day, titled Purple for a Purpose, was the first world Pancreatic Cancer Day.
Billak was inspired by the loss of his aunt last year to pancreatic cancer.
“My aunt passed away last year from pancreatic cancer. I wanted to raise awareness for pancreatic cancer and had the idea to ask our principal, Mrs. Banfield, if the school could announce Purple for a Purpose to all the students and ask them to wear purple today,” Billak said.
Recently, Mayor John McNally signed a proclamation declaring November as Pancreatic Awareness Month in the City of Youngstown.
Canfield Village Middle School Principal Mara Banfield said the purpose of the day was to raise awareness for pancreatic cancer and the administration is very supportive of students who come to them with great ideas.
“This was all Jake. We love it when kids come to us with good causes and great ideas to raise awareness for them. We hope to continue to raise awareness for pancreatic cancer. More awareness is always a good thing. And through Purple for a Purpose, we became aware that there are staff members here at the middle school who have dealt with pancreatic cancer and they also appreciate the students raising awareness for it,” Banfield said.
Billak was happy with the show of support from students.
“I think today was a success. So many people are wearing purple in support of Purple for a Purpose. I really appreciate them helping to raise awareness,” Billak said.