Understanding Pancreatic Cancer :
With an overall five-year survival rate of just 11%, pancreatic cancer is a dire adversary that has taken many lives. Pancreatic cancer is a growing cancer in the pancreas, located behind the lower part of the stomach. Typically, pancreatic cancer begins when cells in the Pancreas undergo mutations and begin to grow uncontrollably.
Like a silent killer, pancreatic cancer usually does not have any symptoms until later, more advanced and scary stages of the disease. Although pancreatic cancer takes time to develop symptoms, when they do come to light, some symptoms include: Loss of Appetite, Jaundice, Weight loss, and Abdominal, Sides, or Back Pains.
Pancreatic cancer as a whole is a terrible disease, and the shield, and floral park memorial as a whole would like to spread awareness of pancreatic cancer, and honor Mrs. Mary Jane Morra for the time she spent here at Floral Park Memorial.

A sorrowful story :
Mrs. Morra was a teacher at Floral Park Memorial who showed great commitment to her teaching, and perseverance through her struggles. As someone who battled against pancreatic cancer, Mrs. Morra was strong, resilient, and an inspiration to all.
Mrs. Morra was  the very embodiment of strength and perseverance. She maintained a will power to keep going as well as strength to continue teaching at Floral Park Memorial, despite the relentless battle of unimaginable dangers.
She was an admired physical education teacher,  a health teacher and above all, an inspiration to  her students. Her contributions to the students and the FPM school community continue to live on. Mrs. MJ Morra has not only affected the school, but the entire Floral Park Community.

Farewell, Friend:
February 21, 2022. The day Floral Park stood silent. A day full of woe, and anguish. This tragic day marks the end of the two years of Mrs. Morra’s battle against pancreatic cancer. The unfortunate loss left many in sadness.

Reaction to the crisis :
News spread like wildfire as people became more aware of MJ Morra’s situation. Her family, friends, and piers sent her support, and reached out to help in any way they could. Together we would make sure she understood that she was not alone.

After it all :
Following in their mother’s footsteps, Mrs. Morra’s son is currently a student in Cortland University studying Physical Education.  Her daughter is graduating Plainedge HS with the  class of 2024. She plans on attending Adelphi University next fall.  Both children will continue to play lacrosse – a sport that Mrs. Morra held dear.

Taking Action :
In the years following, Floral Park Memorial has held “MJ days” in honor of Mrs. Morra. It is a day where students and staff wear purple to help support pancreatic cancer awareness and prevention.
Throughout the past few years, Floral Park Memorial has also held events such as the MJ Walk-a-thon, the 2021 fundraiser at Belmont Park, the 2022 basketball charity game, and the 2023 MJ 5k in Bellerose Village NY. Most recently the school community has honored Mrs. Morra’s memory on Friday February 16th, 2024.   Teachers, staff and students were encouraged to wear purple and donate to the scholarships given out in Mrs. Morra’s honor.

Her battle against cancer, and her resilience  will never be forgotten as it echoes throughout FPM’s corridors. This special memorialized MJ day is held annually, on February sixteenth. Students and teachers will wear purple, to symbolize Pancreatic cancer awareness. We hope you participated this year!

Take action, and support prevention. Any and all funds raised count towards another life saved.