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TV STARS WALK THE WALK FROM COAST TO COAST AT PANCAN PURPLESTRIDE, THE ULTIMATE WALK TO END PANCREATIC CANCER

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Reality Star Joan Vassos, “Star Trek” Team, Days of our Lives’ Martha Madison & Cast Members and Lisa Niemi Swayze Take Steps to Raise Funds and Awareness for Pancreatic Cancer

LOS ANGELES, April 28, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — This past Saturday, April 26, the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCAN) held its biggest fundraising event of the year, PanCAN PurpleStride, the ultimate walk to end pancreatic cancer. PanCAN PurpleStride took place nationwide in nearly 60 cities as survivors, supporters, celebrities and special guests walked in solidarity to raise awareness and much-needed funds for pancreatic cancer, one of the world’s deadliest forms of cancer. It is the number one way PanCAN raises funds to fuel its mission and the dollars raised change the lives of people facing pancreatic cancer and advance progress against the disease. Nearly 63,000 people across the country attended, raising nearly $16.5 million towards fighting the disease.

Pancreatic cancer remains the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States and is on track to become the second leading cause. It is the only major cancer with a five-year survival rate below 20%. Because symptoms are often vague and mimic other illnesses or conditions, most patients are diagnosed in the late stages of the disease. There is no standard screening strategy for pancreatic cancer and few treatment options, highlighting the urgent need for increased research, funding and awareness to improve patient outcomes.

“You are supporting PanCAN’s critical work – giving patients and caregivers the resources and knowledge they need to navigate this disease through PanCAN Patient Services; funding research to find a way to detect this disease earlier and find better treatments for patients; and advocating for more federal funding for this disease because we know science follows money,” said Julie Fleshman, JD, MBA, president and CEO, PanCAN at PurpleStride Los Angeles’ opening ceremony. “Events like PurpleStride are more important than ever right now because of recent cuts to federal funding for pancreatic cancer research. We desperately need both public and private funding for this disease to ensure scientists have the resources they need to drive progress and improve patient outcomes, so thank you again for being here today and taking action.”

From coast to coast and across the television spectrum, notable figures joined the fight. Joan Vassos was a featured speaker at PurpleStride Washington D.C., while actors from Star Trek, including Kitty Swink, John Billingsley, and TV writer-producer Juan Carlos Coto, who lost his brother, “Star Trek Enterprise” Executive Producer Manny Coto, to the disease, along with Lisa Niemi Swayze and Days of our Lives’ Martha Madison and many of the cast of the show participated in PurpleStride Los Angeles.

“PanCAN provides critical resources, research, and support—and in doing so, gives the one thing John clung to most: hope,” said Joan Vassos. “I walk in honor of John, alongside family and friends as Team ‘It’s Just a Sprain,’ and I advocate so that no other family has to go through this terrible journey alone.”

Notable celebrities showed up to walk and support PanCAN’s mission in several cities across the country:

At PurpleStride Washington D.C, Reality star and advocate, Joan Vassos led her team “It’s Just A Sprain” in honor of her late husband, John, who passed away from the disease in 2021.

At PurpleStride Los Angeles, Daytime TV stars Martha Madison from Days of our Lives and many of the Days’ cast members formed their own PurpleStride team, “Hogey’s Home Runners” in honor of TV’s greatest hero—and their on-screen dad—Drake Hogestyn, who portrayed John Black. After losing Drake to pancreatic cancer, they came together at PurpleStride Los Angeles to raise funds and awareness in his memory. 

Other notable celebrities at PurpleStride Los Angeles included:

Lisa Niemi Swayze: Writer, director, actress, dancer and wife of the late actor, Patrick Swayze, who passed from pancreatic cancer. Lisa cut the purple ribbon at PurpleStride Los Angeles.Star Trek Team: Once again leading the charge for team “Trek Against Pancreatic Cancer” are the inspiring Kitty Swink, a 21-year pancreatic cancer survivor from “Deep Space Nine”, John Billingsley (“Star Trek: Enterprise”) and TV writer-producer Juan Carlos Coto, who lost his brother, “Star Trek Enterprise” Executive Producer Manny Coto, to the disease. This dedicated team boldly went where they’ve gone before and participated in their fifth PanCAN PurpleStride!Rosa Blasi, Actress (“The Thundermans”)”Days of Our Lives” cast members including: Brandon Beemer, Raven Bowens, Heather Boyd, Rachel Boyd, Bryan Datillo, Kennedy Garcia, Alice Halsey, Tina Huang, Cherie Jimenez, Abigail Klein, Victoria Konefal, Dan Feuerriegel, John Paul Lavoisier, Stephen Nichols, Shi Ne Nielson, Ashley Puzemis

Notable individuals who have succumbed to pancreatic cancer in recent years include Jeopardy! host Alex Trebek, talk show host Jerry Springer, Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, producer Quincy Jones and U.S. Representative John Lewis, to name a few

Donations can still be made by visiting purplestride.org. PanCAN PurpleStride is generously supported by leading national partner, Revolution Medicines, and national sponsors Ipsen and AbbVie. For more information about the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network and its urgent mission to save lives, visit pancan.org or follow PanCAN on X, Instagram, and Facebook.

The Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCAN) is the leading organization dedicated to advancing progress against pancreatic cancer. We empower patients and caregivers with the resources and knowledge they need to advocate for the care they deserve; we are pioneering the advancement of an early detection strategy for pancreatic cancer and revolutionizing the development of advanced and personalized treatments; and we are building and mobilizing the pancreatic cancer field to ensure better outcomes for all those who face pancreatic cancer today and all those who will fight this disease tomorrow.

Media Contacts:
Stephanie Berman, Smithhouse Strategy, 917-617-5667, stephanie@smithhousestrategy.com

Julie Vasquez, PanCAN, 310-697-9129, jvasquez@pancan.org

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SOURCE Pancreatic Cancer Action Network

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Crab2B Makes AsiaWorld-Expo Debut, Connecting Hong Kong’s Mobile Wholesalers with Global Buyers

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October 18, 2026

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HONG KONG, Oct. 18, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Crab2B, a pioneering B2B trading platform dedicated to mobile devices and digital products, will make its debut at the HKICEC Global Mobile Exchange Pavilion during the Global Sources Hong Kong Shows, opening at AsiaWorld-Expo on October 18, 2026.

Hong Kong has long been a major hub for electronics wholesale trade, but buyers still often rely on fragmented channels to identify suppliers. Crab2B was created to bridge this gap, bringing Hong Kong-based mobile and digital product wholesalers together on one dedicated B2B platform. Headquartered in Hong Kong, Crab2B combines the manufacturing strength of mainland China and the Greater Bay Area’s extensive supply chain capabilities with Hong Kong’s established global trading network. Together, these strengths enable Crab2B to simplify cross-border sourcing, connect buyers directly with suppliers and make international trade more accessible and efficient.

For its first appearance at a major industry trade show, Crab2B is bringing together more than 200 merchants already registered on the platform, marking a significant milestone in its development. The Crab2B booth is expected to attract electronics traders from Southeast Asia, Europe, the Middle East and beyond. Visitors will be able to discover the app’s capabilities through live demonstrations, register on the platform and connect directly with participating merchants to explore business opportunities.

A buyer who experienced the Crab2B app shared: “With Crab2B, we no longer have to search far and wide for reliable suppliers. The platform brings Hong Kong’s mobile phone wholesalers together in one place, giving us greater visibility into available products and sourcing opportunities. Whether I’m at my desk or on the move, I can find products and connect with suppliers whenever I need to. For businesses like ours that source across borders, that kind of access makes a real difference. It saves time, reduces transaction costs and helps us do business more efficiently.”

Crab2B CEO Luo Yaohong said, “We want to be pioneers in cross-border B2B trading for digital products, creating new opportunities for Hong Kong’s wholesale industry. As Hong Kong places greater emphasis on developing digital trade, we’re addressing a longstanding gap in the market with a dedicated digital platform that connects Hong Kong’s electronics suppliers directly with buyers around the world. Our ambition is to make cross-border trading easier, faster and more accessible, while helping Hong Kong businesses reach new markets.”

The platform’s trade show debut is also attracting attention from international merchants, with exhibitors expressing interest in joining Crab2B to expand their reach into overseas markets. Meanwhile, merchants already registered on the platform are looking forward to the launch of its planned online marketplace, which will create further opportunities for sustained collaboration and business growth.

Building on this debut, Crab2B will remain firmly rooted in Hong Kong while expanding its connections with businesses around the world. The company will continue to enhance its platform with smarter sourcing tools, more comprehensive trading capabilities and an increasingly connected network of suppliers and buyers. By making it easier to discover products, establish business relationships and conduct cross-border transactions, Crab2B aims to open new opportunities for merchants of all sizes and help shape the next chapter of Hong Kong’s digital trade industry.

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SOURCE Crab2B

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Canton Fair Buyers Alliance Launched as the 140th Edition Opens

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7 hours ago

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October 18, 2026

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GUANGZHOU, China, Oct. 17, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — On October 15, the Canton Fair Buyers Alliance was officially launched at the Canton Fair Complex, marking a significant milestone as the fair celebrates the 70th anniversary of its founding.

More than 140 overseas buyers attended the launch ceremony, highlighting the fair’s enduring role as a bridge connecting global commerce with China’s export sector.

Speaking at the ceremony, Luís Vilariça, CEO of Joinco, Import & Export, Ltd., discussed his company’s long-standing relationship with the Canton Fair. Drawing on years of participation, he reflected on the growth opportunities created through cooperation with Chinese suppliers and highlighted the fair’s role in supporting international business development and global trade exchanges.

The ceremony also featured a joint declaration by alliance members. Representatives from five member companies read the statement in their respective native languages, underscoring the international character of the new organization. Additional members sent video congratulatory messages, joining the celebration and witnessing the official launch of the alliance.

The Canton Fair Buyers Alliance represents one of the fair’s key service innovations. Designed primarily for Fortune Global 500 companies, buyers from the world’s top 250 retailers and leading sourcing enterprises across a diverse range of markets, the alliance aims to offer members a platform for information sharing and resource coordination. The first cohort of alliance members includes 58 companies from 32 countries and regions across 5 continents. Through the alliance, members will gain access to a range of priority benefits spanning four major areas: services, events, resources and information.

 For more convenient attendance, please click here for pre-registration:

https://buyer.cantonfair.org.cn/register/buyer/email?source_type=16

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SOURCE Canton Fair

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Bioethanol from human hair – Indian start-up’s solution to rising prices of grains and sugar

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8 hours ago

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October 18, 2026

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GUJARAT, India, Oct. 17, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — In what could be called the beginning of the 5G (fifth-generation) of bioethanol or non-cellulosic bioethanol or non-sugar-based biofuels, an Indian start-up, Techofest Global, based out of Gujarat, has developed its own, indigenous, and patented technology for the production of bioethanol from waste human hair. Such processes would significantly reduce the employment of sugars, grains, and agricultural residues, which form the classical first- and second-generation bioethanol feedstocks. As a result, the rising fuel-vs.-food/fodder debate is anticipated to reduce, and instead, ethanol produced from municipal/industrial waste, after trials, can supplement the current supply being used as blends with presently retailed fossil fuels (E20, E27, etc.). 

As stated by Dr. Ravi, the founder-CEO of Techofest Global, the strategic priority and the USP of the start-up is industrial symbiosis, which, typically, involves an ecosystem of up-cycling/valorising the effluents of an industry, thereby creating a value-chain for residues often lacking an end-of-life. With more than three decades of experience in designing customized nuclear fusion reactors for international programmes, such as ITER, JET/UKAEA and SST-1, Dr. Ravi, a seasoned mechanical engineer, spearheads the start-up’s patented technologies’ scale-up and commercialization.

Two biochemical engineers, Dr. Navnit – the former CTO, and Dr. Kabilan – the former CEO of Biomakerz, Chennai, are the brains behind the current technology/process portfolio of the joint-venture between Techofest Global and Biomakerz. They have been working on biorefineries’ process intensification for more than a decade. “Having foreseen the fuel-vs-fodder/food competition as early as the year 2015, we began developing techno-economically feasible and viable in-vitro metabolically-engineered bioprocesses for scaling-up ethanol production from municipal waste streams between 2019–2021”, says Navnit. After developing operational technologies for international biofuel organizations, serving process engineer roles with certain biorefineries-related OMC R&D’s of India, Dr. Navnit, presently works for a premier academic institution.

An on-going fermentation trial at the Techofest Global-Biomakerz JV’s R&D facility

Techofest Global has developed and tested, in its R&D JV’s pilot-facility of ~100-L, 3 innovative and cost-effective technologies, such as 5G ethanol production using human hair, used cooking oil (UCO), and enriched bio-methane production from disposed sanitary napkins.

“With massive CapEx and OpEx, 2G ethanol technology is facing a major commercialization bottleneck, owing to competition with food/livestock fodder, requirement of a cost-intensive pre-treatment procedure, and the requirement of cellulolytic cocktails, which have a poor recycle efficiency. The proprietary 5G SAFE process developed for the start-up circumvents the mentioned constraints, and instead, utilizes a single-stage saccharification followed by fermentation, and records over 85–90% biocatalyst recovery. Likewise, the proprietary SIM process for bio-methane production, exclusively developed for the start-up, is 2x faster with improved intermittent feeding cycles and continuous gas harvest”, says Navnit.

“With on-going pre-commercialization trials, the proprietary ethanol and bio-methane processes of ours are soon being commercialized”, says Ms. Bhumika, the co-founder and the corporate advisor of the start-up. Furthermore, Mr. Ronak pilots the organization’s global market entry and commercialization frontier.

Techofest Global’s veteran Principal Technology Advisors include: Dr VS Tripathi, former Joint Director, DRDE Gwalior, Dr B S Munjal, former Director, Structures and Thermal group, SAC/ISRO, Academician and Advisor CIKS-Dharohar, GTU, and Dr AV Santhanababu, former Scientist at Satish Dhawan Space Centre. With on-going R&D activities, Dr. Munjal says, “the start-up is striving to provide a unique solution along the lines of the Atmanirbhar and Viksit Bharat Vision 2047”.

Media Contact: www.techofestglobal.com; e-mail: info@techofestglobal.com; contact person: The PR team of Techofest Global.

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