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Montreal, Canada was aglow in purple last week as more than 40 pancreatic cancer organizations representing 20 countries attended the second annual World Pancreatic Cancer Coalition (WPCC) meeting.

The World Pancreatic Cancer Coalition

The World Pancreatic Cancer Coalition assembles for their annual group photo.

More than 80 participants at the meeting learned and shared fundraising and advocacy best practices, listened to personal testimonials from pancreatic cancer survivors and heard about the latest research trends from leading physician-scientists.

Julie Fleshman, president and CEO of the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, serves as chair of the WPCC is honored to be a part of this effort.

“The energy, momentum and enthusiasm at this year’s meeting was extremely exciting and inspiring for all of us,” said Fleshman. “It’s remarkable to hear the individual perspectives and ideas from the Coalition members and even more incredible knowing the passion we all have to raise awareness together, as one voice, in the fight against pancreatic cancer.”

Julie Fleshman with Celgene representatives

Julie Fleshman, President and CEO, and Donna DeDario Manross, Senior Director of Scientific & Medical Affairs join representatives from Celgene, the WPCC founding sponsor.

Before attendees even arrived in Montreal, they were greeted with welcome letters from Justin Trudeau, the Prime Minster of Canada, and Stephen McNeil, the Premier of Nova Scotia.

Since last year’s gathering in Florida, 10 new organizations have joined the WPCC, representing Spain, Germany, Greece, Norway, Switzerland and the United States.

“As the Coalition grows in numbers and strength, member organizations will work together on global initiatives to raise awareness and highlight the need for more funding to fight pancreatic cancer,” added Fleshman.

WPCC meeting check-in table

Julie Fleshman, Laura Rothschild and Barbara Kenner check-in guests at the beginning of the annual WPCC meeting.

One of the coalition’s primary activities is World Pancreatic Cancer Day which will be held this year on Thursday, Nov. 16. The one-day event aims to raise global awareness of the disease.

“The more awareness we create and the more people that get involved across the globe, the faster we can accelerate progress and change patient outcomes,” Fleshman said.

Check back in the coming weeks for details on how you can join  World Pancreatic Cancer Day 2017. In the meantime, follow the World Pancreatic Cancer Coalition and World Pancreatic Cancer Day accounts on social media.

World Pancreatic Cancer Coalition

World Pancreatic Cancer Day