News and Stories About advocacy
2020 Year in Review: Advocacy Accomplishments
Editor’s note: In today’s edition of our Year in Review series, we’re looking back at the wins you made possible […]
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Breaking News: Federal Research Program for Pancreatic Cancer Increases to $15 Million
Thousands of advocates delivered a strong message to Capitol Hill: Make pancreatic cancer a national priority. And Congress responded. Congress […]
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A Warrior for Warriors
Editor’s Note: We were sad to learn of Bill’s passing shortly after publication. Bill’s story, like so many others, is […]
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Exciting News: $15 Million Proposed for Pancreatic Cancer Research Program at the Department of Defense
Today, thanks to Pancreatic Cancer Action Network’s (PanCAN) tireless advocates, the U.S. House of Representatives passed a Department of Defense […]
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Statement from the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network on the U.S. House of Representatives Approval of $15 Million for Pancreatic Cancer Funding
The Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCAN), a leading patient advocacy organization dedicated to fighting the world’s toughest cancer, is thrilled […]
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Three Moms, Three Sons, One Unbreakable Bond
Editor’s note: Today, Sunday, July 26, is Parents’ Day. Here we share the story of three mothers who connected through […]
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Advocacy Works Because of Your Stories
“Advocating for pancreatic cancer patients makes my soul happy.” This sentiment was one of hundreds of testimonials shared during the […]
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Affiliate Chair Advocates in Her Dad’s Memory
Editor’s note: Our weeklong series of inspiring advocacy stories continues today with one contributed by Kim Levesque – a devoted […]
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In Their Own Words: Youth Advocates on Importance of Sharing your Story with Congress
Andrew Morgan and Lola Shanahan are 14 and 11 years old, respectively. They do not know each other – Andrew […]
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Today, Pick up the Phone and Call Capitol Hill
Today, Tuesday, June 16, 2020, is the day we all call Congress – the day when we make our collective […]
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It’s Advocacy Week: Raise Your Voice
“45 years of friendship: After losing my oldest friend to pancreatic cancer, I decided to get involved to carry on […]
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10-Year Survivor on Gifts that Changed Her Life
Editor’s note: National Cancer Survivors Day was June 7, 2020. All week long we’re featuring inspiring stories of survivors nationwide. […]
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Eight-year Survivor’s Success with Precision Medicine and a Clinical Trial
Editor’s note: Earlier this year, we featured Steven Merlin’s amazing dedication as a Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCAN) volunteer and […]
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Virtual Advocacy Week Starts Monday!
Monday, June 15Join us for our live, free Advocacy Week Kick-off Event featuring special guests! Hear from advocates and special […]
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Father’s Belief in Daughter Inspires Her to Volunteer
Editor’s note: April 19-25 is Volunteer Appreciation Week, and we’re celebrating, recognizing and thanking Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCAN) volunteers […]
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How Volunteering Transformed Grief into Purpose
Editor’s note: April 19-25 is Volunteer Appreciation Week, and we’re celebrating, recognizing and thanking Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCAN) volunteers […]
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Siblings Share Meaning Behind Being Involved in Cause
Editor’s Note: Today is National Sisters Day. We are sharing this previously published story to celebrate all sisters and the […]
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13-Year Pancreatic Cancer Survivor at State of the Union
Editor’s note: All week long, leading up to Valentine’s Day, we’re sharing stories of inspiration and special connections made through […]
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2019 Year in Review: Advocacy Wins
Editor’s note: Today’s installment of our 2019 Year in Review series highlights the important work of our advocates across the […]
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Big Win: Congress Creates Dedicated $6 Million Pancreatic Cancer Research Program
In a big win today for the pancreatic cancer community, the disease will get its own dedicated research program for […]
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U.S. Senator Holds Pancreatic Cancer Congressional Field Hearing
In response to the disease’s impact on his constituents in Alabama, Sen. Doug Jones (D-AL) presided over a hearing entitled, […]
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His Story Is the Story of Many
It’s a picture-perfect day at the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network’s (PanCAN) PurpleStride Boston 2019, and Craig Irving is greeting pancreatic […]
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Volunteer Mom and Daughter Receive Prestigious Service Awards – Part 2
Editor’s note: Mom and daughter volunteer powerhouse duo Annette Fetty-Santilli and Stephanie, 15, each received awards recently in their state […]
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Volunteer Mom and Daughter Receive Prestigious Service Awards – Part 1
Annette Fetty-Santilli and daughter Stephanie are longtime Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCAN) volunteers in West Virginia. Annette got involved with […]
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Moments Matter: Brian Cashman
It was a challenging season for major league baseball’s New York Yankees. Despite a star roster, numerous injuries led to […]
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Medical Research Community Rallies for NIH Funding
Today, the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCAN) joins the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) and the medical research community […]
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In-district Meetings Bring Advocacy Home for Volunteers
It’s August, which means members of Congress are back at home, and Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCAN) advocates can meet […]
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Moments Matter: Stephanie Castillo and Arikka Pirker
Editor’s note: In honor of National Sisters Day on Sunday, August 4, we’re sharing the story of Stephanie Castillo and […]
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10 Highlights You Made Happen
The Pancreatic Cancer Action Network’s (PanCAN) fiscal year ended June 30, and it was one for the record books. We […]
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Advocacy Day 2019 Highlights: From the Hill and Beyond
National Pancreatic Cancer Advocacy Day 2019, hosted by the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCAN), was one for the record books. […]
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Over 600 Pancreatic Cancer Advocates Take on Capitol Hill
Before the impressive purple sea of advocates – made up of pancreatic cancer survivors, loved ones, healthcare professionals and other […]
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Pancreatic Cancer Advocates Rally for More Federal Research Funding
Today, the 13th annual National Pancreatic Cancer Advocacy Day, hosted by the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCAN), gathered 650 registered […]
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Pancreatic Cancer Action Week: Make This Moment Matter
Today, June 19, is the start of Pancreatic Cancer Action Week, and it’s time to raise your voice for pancreatic […]
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Moments Matter: Emily LaSalle
Editor’s note: World Gratitude Day is today, Sept. 21, and we thank all of our incredible supporters for all they […]
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Moments Matter: Leslie Kissel
Leslie Kissel was a larger-than-life woman, never known to back down from an adventure. Her days were filled with yoga […]
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‘Bench to Bedside’ Project Shows Promise in Pancreatic Cancer Patients
A new treatment combination – combining chemotherapy and radiation therapy with a common blood pressure drug – has shown promise […]
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Making a Difference: Why Two Teens Are Passionate About Attending Advocacy Day
While many teens visit Washington, D.C., during their spring break school trip, 13-year-old Dylan Dedrickson and 16-year-old Maddy McDonald are […]
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Moments Matter: Steven Yedwabnick
Steven Yedwabnick will never forget the thrill that shot through his body when he stood up with other 10-year pancreatic […]
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NCI Increases Pancreatic Cancer Research Funding
Nearly $178 million was invested in pancreatic cancer research by the National Cancer Institute (NCI) in 2017 – a 17 […]
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Moments Matter: Gil Marchman
Skydiving is the latest way longtime survivor, volunteer and advocate Gil Marchman, 84, is raising awareness about pancreatic cancer. On […]
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Advocate Shares Story and Insights Attending Advocacy Day
Steve Cook of Huntsville, Ala., knows what it means to be an advocate from his career in aerospace when he […]
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Advocates Generate Support for Pancreatic Cancer Research on Capitol Hill
One of the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network’s (PanCAN) priorities in the 116th Congress is to urge Congress to create a […]
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Reflecting on Moments at 20th Anniversary
Editor’s note: Welcome to our “Moments Matter” story series, in which supporters tell us about the moments that have mattered […]
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Advocate for Pancreatic Cancer Patients in 2019
As the nation marked the beginning of 2019, the 116th Congress kicked off with nearly 100 newly elected members taking […]
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Partial Government Shutdown Impact on Pancreatic Cancer Patients
A partial government shutdown has been in place for the past three weeks, and there is still no end in […]
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2018 Year in Review: Advocates Moved the Needle Forward
Editor’s note: Our advocates shine in today’s installment of our 2018 Year in Review series. See how they significantly increased […]
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Partial Government Shutdown Would Not Affect Health Agencies
A partial government shutdown is possible before the end of the calendar year due to a standoff between President Trump […]
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Congress Approves $2 Billion Increase for Medical Research
Taking a strong stance on the importance of investing in medical research to fight cancer and other diseases, Congress approved […]
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It Starts with Someone: Jackson Carnaghi
Editor’s note: Our “It Starts with Someone” series chronicles all kinds of Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCAN) supporters – volunteers, […]
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The Current Status of Pancreatic Cancer Legislative Priorities
The Pancreatic Cancer Action Network’s (PanCAN) legislative priorities are to increase the federal research investment into the disease – a […]
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It Starts with Someone: Drs. Michael Curran and Randy Pausch
Editor’s note: On July 25, 2008, 10 years ago today, professor Randy Pausch, PhD, of “The Last Lecture” fame, died […]
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4 Ways to Become an Advocate for Pancreatic Cancer Research
The Pancreatic Cancer Action Network’s (PanCAN) National Pancreatic Cancer Advocacy Day in Washington, D.C., was a success, thanks to hundreds of advocates […]
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Advocacy Day Top Media Highlights, Pictures
Over the past 48 hours, hundreds of pancreatic cancer advocates, including nearly 100 survivors, took Washington, D.C., by storm to […]
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‘We’ve Come a Long Way, and It’s Because of You’
Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCAN) President and CEO Julie Fleshman, JD, MBA, kicked off the organization’s National Pancreatic Cancer Advocacy […]
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Pancreatic Cancer Action Network’s Army of Advocates Fight to Change Future of the Disease on Capitol Hill
MANHATTAN BEACH, Calif. – (June 18, 2018) Federal research funding for the world’s toughest cancer, pancreatic, increased 22 percent in 2016, […]
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National Pancreatic Cancer Advocacy Day Coverage Starts June 18
On Monday and Tuesday, June 18-19, PanCAN’s much-anticipated National Pancreatic Cancer Advocacy Day will take place in Washington, D.C. Advocacy […]
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Pancreatic Cancer Action Week: Are you ready to Demand Better?
You may have heard that pancreatic cancer has a five-year survival rate of just 9 percent. But here is a […]
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It Starts with Someone: Amy Osteryoung
Editor’s note: For each of us involved in the cause, it started with someone — the reason we were compelled to […]
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Annual Cancer Report Highlights Urgency for Progress
Today, the Annual Report to the Nation on the Status of Cancer was released. The report is prepared by the […]
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It Starts With Someone: Monica-Amit Mishra
Editor’s note: For each of us involved in the cause, it started with someone — the reason we were compelled to […]
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Young Advocates Changing the Future of Cancer in America
They can’t yet run for office or even vote, but kids across the nation are making their voices heard to […]
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Congress Approves Largest Research Funding Increase Since 2003
Pancreatic cancer research achieved a big win in the nation’s capital when the 2018 omnibus bill was passed last week […]
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It Starts with Someone: Brenda Young
Editor’s note: For each of us involved in the cause, it started with someone – the reason we were compelled […]
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Choir of Survivors Sings Chorus to Erin Willett’s Latest Song
For Roberta Luna and Lupe Romero, surviving the world’s toughest cancer is reason to celebrate. Together, the women – who have 22 years of […]
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2017 Year in Review: Advocacy in Action
In 2017, Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCAN) advocates raised their voice and moved the needle toward our goal of doubling […]
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The NCI Funds Early Detection
The National Cancer Institute (NCI) recently funded four new teams of researchers through its Pancreatic Cancer Detection Consortium (PCDC). According […]
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Research Funding Protected Through Advocacy
The Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCAN) is pleased to share that critical pancreatic cancer research funding has been protected at […]
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All Eyes on Washington, D.C., as Congress Returns to Reach Agreement Before Looming Deadlines
When Congress returned to Washington, D.C., last week after their August recess, there was no shortage of issues they needed […]
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Nadine Takai Day Dedicates First Advocacy Day, and Beyond, to Her Brother, Hawaii Congressman Mark Takai
One year ago, Nadine Takai Day lost her brother, Rep. Mark Takai, of Hawaii to pancreatic cancer after only nine […]
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It Starts with Someone: Jennifer Baker
Editor’s note: National Pancreatic Cancer Advocacy Day is June 18-19 in Washington, D.C., and registration is now open. Today we’re […]
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It Starts with Someone: Yohannes Gebreysus
Yohannes Gebreysus’s someone is his daughter, Absera. In less than two years, she’ll be off to college. It’s hard to […]
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It Starts with Someone: Bruce and Linda Hill
Editor’s note: For each of us involved in the cause, it started with someone — the reason we were compelled […]
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Advocacy Day Takes National Media by Storm
In the days leading up to, on and following National Pancreatic Cancer Advocacy Day, our president and CEO Julie Fleshman, JD, […]
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Young Son Carries out Dad’s Legacy, Continuing the Fight at National Pancreatic Cancer Advocacy Day
Editor’s note: Daniel Arad, 13, and his mother, Jing Tian, were in Washington, D.C., for the 10th anniversary of Pancreatic […]
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It Starts with Someone: Dennis and Yvonne Noesen’s Son, Tyler
Editor’s note: Dennis and Yvonne Noesen will attend the 10th anniversary of National Pancreatic Cancer Advocacy Day on June 19-20, […]
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Proposed Budget Cuts Could Hurt Pancreatic Cancer Research Efforts
Today, the Trump administration released its full fiscal year (FY) 2018 budget, proposing deep cuts to the National Institutes of […]
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A Message from our President and CEO: Your Activism and Advocacy Can Save Lives
As the House of Representatives voted to pass the American Health Care Act recently, I thought of the thousands of […]
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Endurance Athlete Finds Parallels Between Advocacy Day, Ironman Competition
Anything is possible. This is the message that Mike Levine of Carlsbad, Calif., will take to Capitol Hill on the […]
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Why Pancreatic Cancer Researchers March for Science
On Earth Day, this Saturday, April 22, the March for Science will bring people together globally to celebrate science in […]
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10 Reasons Why Advocacy Matters (And How to Get Involved Today!)
This June, we’re celebrating the 10th anniversary of National Pancreatic Cancer Advocacy Day – and more than a decade of […]
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Volunteer Appreciation Month – Our Volunteers Take Us Far
Why do we dedicate the entire month of April to celebrating our wonderful volunteers? The answer is simple: Because they […]
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Leadership Discusses Pancreatic Cancer Research Funding, New Report
The Pancreatic Cancer Action Network’s Scientific & Medical Affairs team acknowledged for key contributions to a study analyzing the pancreatic […]
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Standing room-only crowd attends congressional briefing, raising awareness for our nation’s deadliest cancers
The deadliest cancers in the United States are defined by the Recalcitrant Cancer Research Act, legislation the Pancreatic Cancer Action […]
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Your Advocacy in Action: New Federal Research Funding to Explore Pancreatic Cancer Immunotherapy
Together, we have been relentless in fighting for increased funding for pancreatic cancer research and today, we are proud to […]
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Pancreatic Cancer Action Network Commends Congress For Passage Of 21st Century Cures Act
The Pancreatic Cancer Action Network Commends Congress For Passage Of 21st Century Cures Act Critical Legislation Provides New Hope to […]
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Pancreatic Cancer Action Network to join hundreds of organizations to rally for medical research on Capitol Hill
Last year, Congress provided the first significant increase in funding for the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in more than […]
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Blue Ribbon Panel Recommendations Hold Potential to Improve Outcomes for Recalcitrant Cancers, Like Pancreatic Cancer
On September 7, 2016, the Cancer Moonshot Blue Ribbon Panel released a report describing 10 recommendations to make a decade’s […]
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Today and Every Day, We Wage Hope for Those Who Have Lost Their Battle with Pancreatic Cancer
The pancreatic cancer community lost yet another champion to the disease this week – Congressman Steve LaTourette (R-Ohio). He was […]
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Advocates Raised Their Voices, Urged Congress to Take Action
Nearly 600 “purple people” overtook our nation’s capital, Washington, D.C., on June 21 for the ninth annual National Pancreatic Cancer […]
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Today We Wage Hope for Congressman Mark Takai
The pancreatic cancer community lost another champion to the disease today – Congressman Mark Takai (D-Hawaii). He passed away at […]
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Pancreatic Cancer Advocates Unite On Capitol Hill To Urge Congress To Make The Impossible Possible By Increasing Funding For Cancer Research
PANCREATIC CANCER ADVOCATES UNITE ON CAPITOL HILL TO URGE CONGRESS TO MAKE THE IMPOSSIBLE POSSIBLE BY INCREASING FUNDING FOR CANCER […]
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