Inspired by the late Joe Barker, Robbinsville Township police officers, members of PBA Local #344 and the Robbinsville Fire Department joined with neighboring departments such as Hopewell and West Windsor to raise a total of $8,000 during this year’s 6th Annual “No-Shave November” – an initiative aimed at raising funds for cancer treatment and research.
This year’s beneficiary was Pat’s Purpose—a New Jersey-based organization named for N.J. native and U.S. Marine Veteran Corporal Patrick Duva. Corp. Duva’s sister Brianne Nylander and his cousin, Megan Brunatti, were on hand to accept the contribution.
Corporal Duva passed away in 2021 after a 2.5 year battle with brain cancer caused by burn pit toxic exposure while deployed overseas. Pat’s Purpose was started by his fiancé, Chelsea Todd, and sister Brianne, after his passing. The motto of Pat’s Purpose is “Facta Non Verba,” which means “Actions, not Words.”
Pat’s Purpose is a 501c(3) non-profit organization providing financial assistance to veterans and military service members who are battling illnesses from post-9-11 war toxicity. The priority at Pat’s Purpose is to help alleviate the financial burden veterans and their families are faced with during and after medical treatments.
Through donations and fundraising, Pat’s Purpose offers grants, covers transportation needs to and from health appointments, medical bills, and other various expenses to those in need. They are currently serving Post 9/11 active military personnel and post 9/11 veterans. Website: patspurpose.com.
Since 2017, “No Shave November” efforts have raised over $33,000 for various types of cancer research and related charities, including $8,225 last year for the JillyBean Foundation.
Previous beneficiaries include Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, Joe Barker and Paula Kivet, Thea’s Star of Hope and Tyler Odman (aka “Tyler’s Tribe”).
Winner of best beard for the second consecutive year was Sgt. Wayne Haugh.
