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PanCAN CEO, Julie Fleshman, raises awareness for pancreatic cancer with an interview on CBS News on World Pancreatic Cancer Day.
Editor’s note: We continue our 2019 Year in Review series today by recapping some of PanCAN’s high-profile media coverage this year including pancreatic cancer research, national news, volunteer contributions and more.
In 2019, the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCAN) continued to drive awareness of the world’s toughest cancer through news coverage in print, online and broadcast media outlets. Below are some top highlights from this year.
Alex Trebek
When the beloved “JEOPARDY!” host, Alex Trebek, announced his stage IV pancreatic cancer diagnosis in March, he instantaneously became one of the most public faces of this disease to date.
PanCAN appreciates his openness about his personal experience and continues to support him through every step of his pancreatic cancer journey.
This year, PanCAN President and CEO Julie Fleshman, JD, MBA, was interviewed by multiple news outlets about Alex’s diagnosis and his impact on awareness for the disease.
- CBS News: Alex Trebek’s pancreatic cancer diagnosis: What does stage 4 mean?
- NBC News: Improved Detection and Treatment of Pancreatic Cancer Provide Hope
- TV Guide: ‘Jeopardy!’ Fans Show Support for Alex Trebek Amid His Cancer Battle
‘Team Alex’ at PurpleStride Los Angeles
To support Alex Trebek, nearly 200 friends, family and staff from the TV game shows “JEOPARDY!” and “Wheel of Fortune” attended the PurpleStride Los Angeles walk to end pancreatic cancer in May. Trebek himself joined, speaking on stage during the event’s opening ceremonies.
- The TODAY Show: Alex Trebek Stands with Pancreatic Cancer Survivors After Emotional Speech at Fundraising Walk
- Good Morning America: Alex Trebek Walks for a Cure
- People Magazine: Alex Trebek Says ‘We Will Beat Cancer’ After Admitting He Experiences ‘Deep Sadness’ Amid Diagnosis
Advocacy Day
National Pancreatic Cancer Advocacy Day in June saw more than 650 pancreatic cancer advocates, including 110 survivors, descend on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., to meet with legislators regarding the need for further pancreatic cancer research funding.
- MSNBC Morning Joe: Ahead of Pancreatic Cancer Advocacy Day, Sen. Chris Coons Discusses Losing His Father
- ABC Washington, D.C.: Join the Fight to End Pancreatic Cancer
- CBS Washington, D.C.: National Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Day
November Awareness
November was Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month. Throughout the month, PanCAN highlighted pancreatic cancer survivors and caregivers, including Quiet Riot drummer, Frankie Banali, in a national Public Service Announcement (PSA) campaign.
In addition, specifically on World Pancreatic Cancer Day (Nov. 21), PanCAN used media coverage to garner awareness for the world’s deadliest cancer.
- CBS News: World Pancreatic Cancer Day Brings Attention to One of the Deadliest Cancers
- Yahoo! Entertainment: Quiet Riot’s Frankie Banali Opens Up About Stage 4 Pancreatic Cancer Diagnosis
- SurvivorNet: Quiet Riot’s Frankie Banali Tells SurvivorNet Dying from Pancreatic Cancer Is ‘Unacceptable to Me
PanCAN’s Leadership Team
Members of the PanCAN leadership team were in the news often this year as well, providing expert opinions and thought leadership on various topics from pancreatic cancer research to treatments and more.
- CBS News: New Research Could Aid Fight Against Pancreatic Cancer
- Features PanCAN President and Chief Executive Officer Julie Fleshman, JD, MBA
- Everyday Health: 2 Challenges and 3 Advances in Treating Pancreatic Cancer
- Features PanCAN Chief Science Officer Lynn Matrisian, PhD, MBA
- U.S. News & World Report: What Are the First Signs of Pancreatic Cancer?
- Features PanCAN Chief Medical Officer Victoria Manax Rutson, MD
Survivor and Volunteer Stories
Throughout the year, PanCAN had the privilege of sharing the inspirational stories of pancreatic cancer survivors, volunteers and donors who constantly remind the PanCAN team of why we do what we do.
- MSN: An Open Letter to Alex Trebek From a Mom Who Survived Stage 4 Pancreatic Cancer
- Spectrum News Los Angeles: Stage 2 Pancreatic Cancer Patient Shares Her Journey
- Vikings: C.J. Ham Surprises Mom with Custom-Designed Cleats in Her Honor
