FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The NFL Detroit Lions and The Pancreatic Cancer Action Network
Team Up to Tackle Pancreatic Cancer

DETROIT, MI (November 1, 2007) – The Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCAN) and the NFL Detroit Lions are teaming up to increase awareness of pancreatic cancer, the fourth leading cause of cancer death in the US. Each year, more than 37,000 Americans are diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, and the mortality rate from this devastating disease has remained at 95% for many years. The Detroit Lions were touched by pancreatic cancer when the organization's Director of Security, Ricky Sandoval, was diagnosed in May, 2006. Sandoval has worked with the Detroit Lions for over six years, as part of his 20-year NFL staff career.

Tackling a Deadly Disease
In demonstration of their compassion and support of Ricky's battle with pancreatic cancer, the Lions have been working closely with staff from the national headquarters of the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network to develop a PSA that will air on Ford Field Stadium's large video display system prior to the team's November 4th home game against the Denver Broncos. This date is especially significant as November is National Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month.

The 30-second PSA features the Lions' defensive captain Cory Redding with Ricky Sandoval in a series of compelling visuals where Redding delivers the grim facts about pancreatic cancer and invites fans to join the fight against this deadly disease. Cory proudly shows that he is wearing a purple pancreatic cancer awareness wristband - a sign of his commitment to increase awareness and much-needed research funds. Pancreatic cancer has the highest mortality rate of any of the leading cancers, yet it receives the least amount of federal research dollars. Breast, colon, lung and prostate cancers all receive more federal funds than pancreatic cancer. PanCAN and the Detroit Lions organization are both firmly committed to informing fans that increased funding is vital to developing better diagnostic tools, treatment options and ultimately, identifying a cure for this complex disease.

"Ricky is always there for us, so the Lions want to help him in any way we can," said Redding. "We want to spread the word about this dreaded disease and help find ways to beat it."

Increasing Awareness and Funding
To further increase awareness of pancreatic cancer among fans attending the November 4th game, 30 PanCAN volunteers will be handing-out the same purple PanCAN wristbands Cory Redding wears in the PSA, as fans depart Ford Field after the game. Wearing the wristbands allows fans to show their support for Ricky and the thousands of other Americans, who are currently battling pancreatic cancer and/or who have lost loves ones to the disease. Together, the Detroit Lions and PanCAN plan to tackle pancreatic cancer head-on by involving NFL fans in the continued effort to advance research, support patients and create hope.

"Ricky Sandoval is a beloved member of the Detroit Lions organization and we are delighted at the opportunity to work with PanCAN on the PSA and other awareness-building activities," said Tim Pendell, the Lions' senior director of community affairs. "We hope the strong bond we've developed with PanCAN will help to inform and inspire our fans to make a serious commitment to help increase awareness about this under-recognized and under-funded cancer."

"Pancreatic cancer research is where breast cancer research was in the 1930s, and there are no early detection tools or effective treatments. Therefore, high-profile activities such as the PSA with the Detroit Lions are extremely important to our continued efforts to raise awareness and funds to support the fight against this disease," said Julie Fleshman, President and CEO, The Pancreatic Cancer Action Network. "The pancreatic cancer community will greatly benefit from the generosity and support of the Detroit Lions organization, and we are very grateful and honored by their participation."

A Call to Action
During November, and throughout the year, PanCAN and its robust network of national affiliates throughout the US, will be leading many activities and programs with its annual "Raise Your Voice" campaign to bring attention and focus to pancreatic cancer. Individuals interested in taking part in the organization's Raise Your Voice campaign or other initiatives should visit www.pancan.org or call 1-877-272-6226.

About the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network
The Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, Inc. (PanCAN) was founded in 1999. PanCAN is the leader in the fight against pancreatic cancer. PanCAN is the only national organization creating hope in a comprehensive way through research, patient support, community outreach and advocacy for a cure.

The Pancreatic Cancer Action Network supports its mission by directly funding research, and demanding that the federal government increase research dollars for pancreatic cancer; by providing patients and caregivers with reliable, no-cost information to make informed decisions with their healthcare teams; and by helping individuals and communities work together to raise awareness and funds to find a cure for pancreatic cancer. PanCAN creates hope and a sense of community so that anyone suffering from pancreatic cancer never has to feel alone.

MEDIA CONTACTS

To obtain a copy of the PSA, and/or to schedule an interview with Julie Fleshman, President and CEO, PanCAN, please contact:

Darby Pearson
Spectrum Science Communications
(202) 955.6222, ext. 2585
dpearson@spectrumscience.com

To schedule an interview with Ricky Sandoval or Cory Redding, please contact:

Tim Pendell, Senior Director of Community Affairs
Detroit Lions
Tim.Pendell@lions.nfl.net
(313) 216.4172

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