Conquest Imaging and MD Publishing couldn’t wait until November, which is Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month, to continue the fight against this deadly cancer. Pancreatic cancer is the fourth-leading cause of cancer-related death for men and women in the United States.
Conquest Imaging and MD Publishing teamed up at the 2015 MD Expo in Las Vegas to raise awareness via Purple Mic Night. The final event of the MD Expo had exhibitors and attendees gather for a karaoke party on Friday, October 23, in the Red Rock Casino, Resort and Spa’s Cherry Lounge.
Conquest Imaging co-founder Mark Conrad was inspired to sponsor the Purple Mic Night by his late wife Jean’s battle with pancreatic cancer. Jean Conrad passed away earlier this year.
Mark Conrad started the event with a $10,000 donation to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network in honor of Jean. His donation secured the rights to perform the classic “California Dreamin’ ” by The Mamas and The Papas. His karaoke performance was a hit and prompted others to participate.
Renae Egan-Williams, PurpleStride Chair for the Las Vegas affiliate of the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, said the event raised close to $20,000 with more donations expected. She said more than one company spoke with her at the event about making a donation at a later date. She also received a couple of phone calls from interested donors.
Egan-Williams was blown away by the turnout at the Conquest Imaging-sponsored MD Expo party and loved that everybody dressed in purple to show their support.
“I thought (Purple Mic Night) was awesome,” she said. “I think the idea and the concept of it was fabulous.”
“This event is by far the best event we’ve had in Las Vegas,” she added. “We were totally surprised (by the amount of the donations). It was incredible.”
Mark Conrad’s donation alone made a huge impact on Egan-Williams and the other Pancreatic Cancer Action Network volunteers in attendance at Purple Mic Night.
“When he said $10,000 I think we all started cheering and crying at the same time,” Egan-Williams said. “We have all lost a family member to pancreatic cancer.”
Donations at the event came from companies and individuals. Among those joining Conquest Imaging in making donations were Pacific Medical, MD Publishing, Kevin Davis from ERD, Doug Dreps from Mercy Hospital St. Louis, Jozef Pelikan from the JDIS Group, MedWrench and Connectiv.
Egan-Williams said additional donations can be made online to “Team Jean.” The team will participate in the April 2 PurpleStride event in Las Vegas. For more information, visit PurpleStride.org/LasVegas and search for “Team Jean” or email Renae Egan-Williams at regan@pancanvolunteer.org.
