On Thursday, Nov. 19, 2026, at 7 p.m., the 72‑bell Millennium Carillon in Moser Tower will sound a special concert to observe World Pancreatic Cancer Day, according to Positively Naperville. The event, held outside the tower on Aurora Avenue (443 Aurora Avenue, across from Naperville Central High School), invites families, patients, caregivers, researchers and advocates to unite in raising awareness for one of the most challenging cancers.
City Carillonneur Tim Sleep will perform the concert, selecting songs that honor family members, friends, artists and actors who have died from pancreatic cancer. Sleep noted that the disease carries a poor prognosis, underscoring the importance of community support and education. Attendees are encouraged to wear purple, the signature color of the international observance, to show solidarity and hope.
The concert marks the return of the carillon performance after a brief hiatus, with the previous event having taken place on Sept. 19, 2026. In addition to the music, the tower will be illuminated with a purple glow, a visual reminder of the ongoing effort to educate the public about pancreatic cancer symptoms and to highlight organizations such as the Lustgarten Foundation, which is dedicated to finding a cure.
Looking ahead, the Lustgarten Foundation has announced its annual Pancreatic Cancer Research Walk for July 11, 2027. The walk will begin and end at the Riverwalk Grand Pavilion, offering a family‑friendly outdoor activity while providing updates from Lustgarten researchers. Chair Jennifer Tedrow emphasized that the walk, now in its 18th year since its inception by Ann Zediker in 2010, remains a well‑organized way for the community to stay engaged and hopeful.
What’s next: Residents can attend the Nov. 19 carillon concert at no cost and later consider participating in the July 11, 2027 research walk. Further details on volunteer opportunities and event updates will be posted on the Lustgarten Foundation’s website and local community calendars.
Sources: positivelynaperville.com
