FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
PATRICK SWAYZE’S DIAGNOSIS WITH PANCREATIC CANCER:
A STATEMENT FROM THE PANCREATIC CANCER ACTION NETWORK
EL SEGUNDO, CA – (March 5, 2008) – The following is a statement in response to Patrick Swayze being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer by Julie Fleshman, President and CEO of the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, the only national organization creating hope in a comprehensive way through research, patient support, community outreach and advocacy for a cure.
“We are saddened to learn Patrick Swayze has been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and our thoughts go out to him and his family during this difficult time.
“It is unfortunate that it takes the diagnosis of a celebrity, such as Mr. Swayze to raise awareness for this disease. Pancreatic cancer is the fourth leading cause of cancer death in the United States, yet it is the most under-funded, under-recognized and least-studied of the leading cancer killers. We hope this visibility will help the public realize the urgent need for research funding to find early detection methods and ultimately find a cure for pancreatic cancer.
“This terrible news comes on the eve of a historical initiative being taken to Congress by the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network. Over 220 pancreatic cancer advocates will be on Capitol Hill on March 11th to seek an unprecedented $170 million in federal funding to support the National Plan to Advance Pancreatic Cancer Research. The Pancreatic Cancer Action Network also commits to raising $25 million in private funds. The merging of the federal and private dollars represents Raise the Cure, a comprehensive strategy and action plan to put pancreatic cancer research on the fast track in finding a cure.”
Please contact Jennifer Reeves at 310-460-8901 (cell) or 310-321-6542 (direct) to learn more about pancreatic cancer, the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network or to schedule an interview.
About the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network
The Pancreatic Cancer Action Network is the only national organization creating hope in a comprehensive way through research, patient support, community outreach and advocacy for a cure. The organization raises money for direct private funding of research—and advocates for more aggressive federal research funding of medical breakthroughs in prevention, diagnosis and treatment of pancreatic cancer.
The Pancreatic Cancer Action Network fills the void of information and options by giving patients and caregivers reliable, personalized information they need to make informed decisions. We create a sense of hope and community so no one has to face pancreatic cancer alone. The organization helps support individuals and communities all across the country work together to raise awareness and funds to find a cure for pancreatic cancer.
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MEDIA CONTACT
Jennifer Reeves
Public Relations Manager
Pancreatic Cancer Action Network
Direct: 310-321-6542
Email: jreeves@pancan.org
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