may 9, 2009

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

THE PASSING OF HALL OF FAME NBA COACH CHUCK DALY:
A STATEMENT FROM THE PANCREATIC CANCER ACTION NETWORK

EL SEGUNDO, CA – (May 9, 2009) – The following is a statement in response to the sad news that Hall of Fame NBA Coach Chuck Daly died of pancreatic cancer from 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.

“The Pancreatic Cancer Action Network extends our condolences to the Daly family, the NBA community and all those touched by Chuck Daly’s life.

“Having been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in February, Daly’s short battle with the disease calls attention to the urgent need for early diagnostic methods and better treatment options currently lacking for patients of the fourth leading cause of cancer death in our country.

“The Pancreatic Cancer Research and Education Act (H.R. 745), the first ever substantive legislative effort dedicated to advancing pancreatic cancer research and addressing the critical needs facing our research community, was introduced in Congress in January by U.S. Representatives Anna Eshoo (D-CA) and Ginny Brown-Waite (R-FL). Once enacted and fully funded, it will provide a greater focus on this disease and will give the National Cancer Institute the tools it needs to make true progress against pancreatic cancer and give patients a fighting chance.”

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 INQUIRIES ONLY CONTACT:
Jennifer Rosen
Senior Manager, Public Relations
Pancreatic Cancer Action Network
Direct: 310-706-3362
Email:jrosen@pancan.org

ALL OTHER INQUIRIES, PLEASE CALL THE PANCREATIC CANCER ACTION NETWORK AT 877-272-6226 OR EMAIL INFO@PANCAN.ORG.