Jasminka Criley: The Power of Purple
Jasminka Criley, CEO and President at Indelible Learning, shared a post on LinkedIn:
“The Power of Purple: Symbolizing Hope in the Fight Against Pancreatic Cancer
Purple is a color deeply associated with strength, dignity, and perseverance. In the realm of cancer awareness, it represents a rallying cry for the fight against pancreatic cancer, a disease with one of the highest mortality rates among cancers.
Throughout history, purple has been a symbol of royalty, power, and luxury. It was a highly prized color, used by ancient rulers and nobles, often symbolizing wealth and status. More importantly, purple is now synonymous with resilience and courage, characteristics embodied by those fighting pancreatic cancer and their supporters.
Adopting purple as the color for pancreatic cancer awareness provides a unifying symbol for advocacy and visibility. Wearing a purple ribbon or participating in events like World Pancreatic Cancer Day or Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month with purple themes creates a collective voice, raising awareness about the urgency of early detection and research funding.
The photo I share here has a personal touch. In the days following my dearest Mama’s passing, we were embraced in an outpouring of love through heartfelt notes, letters, and an abundance of flowers. Each gesture was not just a token of sympathy, but a testament of the life Mama lived—meaningful, thoughtful, and deeply cherished by all who knew her.
Among these expressions of love was this breathtaking floral arrangement: a symphony of vibrant and lush blooms. Amongst all flowers in this arrangement, one flower captivated my heart above all: a bold and powerful purple blossom.
This singular flower, radiant in its hue, seemed to embody the very essence of Mama’s beautiful spirit, her generous soul, and profound love for music. Fittingly named ‘Disco Mama,’ this arrangement was thoughtfully picked and sent by our dear friend Carol. She found its name a joyful reminiscence of Mama’s lively spirit and good times.
For me, this purple flower is more than a memory; it is a symbol. It embodies dignity, strength, and endurance—qualities Mama consistently displayed throughout her life. The power of purple resonates deeply with the fight against pancreatic cancer, a battle she fought with courage and grace.
In this color, I find not just a tribute to my beloved Mama, but a beacon of hope and a call to persevere with the same tenacity and love she imparted to all of us.
It is in sorrow that we do not merely cry but celebrate the lives of those who have left us.
This Thanksgiving Season, a first Thanksgiving after she left us and left this world as we know it, it is still very hard for me to be thankful. I still feel her loss profoundly. But I try to remind myself to celebrate her life. And be thankful for years we have spent together. And be thankful that she was my Mom, my dearest Mama.
More on color purple and fight against pancreatic cancer.”
More posts featuring Jasminka Criley.
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ESMO 2024 Congress
September 13-17, 2024
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ASCO Annual Meeting
May 30 - June 4, 2024
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Yvonne Award 2024
May 31, 2024
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OncoThon 2024, Online
Feb. 15, 2024
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Global Summit on War & Cancer 2023, Online
Dec. 14-16, 2023