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Background


The first Annual Ron’s Run for the Roses was held on Saturday, May 2, 2009 in memory of Ron Foley. All proceeds went to benefit the National Pancreas Foundation. Ron died of pancreatic cancer on October 7, 2005 shortly after his retirement from The Travelers where he served for many years as a member of senior management. In addition to being a respected business leader, Ron was a constant source of strength for everyone in his extended family and was truly the “pied piper” for all of his many friends who possessed a youthful heart.


Inspiration for the first event was provided by family and friends who believed they could harness generosity in Ron’s memory and keep his spirit alive while raising funds for pancreatic cancer research. The idea quickly attracted enthusiastic support from numerous Hartford area residents and many out of town guests. Those who attended the event proved that not all of the best Derby Day parties are in Kentucky.


Encouraged by the generous spirit of those who attended the first event and with the support of dedicated volunteers, Ron’s widow, Barbara Foley, formed the Ron Foley Pancreatic Cancer Foundation, Inc. The mission of the Foundation is three-fold:

  • to promote public awareness of the terrible pain, suffering and loss caused by pancreatic cancer so that early detection will become a widely shared priority;

  • to assist in the development of a local network providing information, contacts, shared experiences and other forms of necessary support to those suffering from pancreatic cancer and their family members.

  • to raise funds for medical research leading to more effective treatment of pancreatic cancer.

About Pancreatic Cancer


Pancreatic cancer is the fourth leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States, as well as around the world, striking both men and women nearly equally. With the worst survival rate of all cancers, the National Cancer Institute estimates that approximately 42,000 people will be diagnosed with this disease within the next twelve months. Of these 42,000 people, 35,000 will not survive the year. And of those who survive the first year, only 5 % will be alive five years later. This silent killer gives few early warning signs. Mortality rates for pancreatic cancer have improved little in the past 30 years. It is our hope that Ron’s Run will raise awareness and funding for the important research that is critical to fight this lethal disease.