EL SEGUNDO, Calif., Nov. 3 /PRNewswire/ -- The Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (http://www.pancan.org), the only national organization creating hope in a comprehensive way through research, patient support, community outreach and advocacy for a cure, launches Raise Your Voice (http://www.pancan.org/raiseyourvoice), a national campaign recognizing Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month. Raise Your Voice and make every day matter this November by demanding the funding necessary to fight pancreatic cancer, the fourth leading cause of cancer death in the United States.
The campaign encourages Americans to join the fight against pancreatic cancer and help increase visibility of the disease in their local community and on Capitol Hill to ensure progress moves forward regarding research and treatment.
This year, more than 38,000 Americans will be diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and nearly 33,000 will die. Pancreatic cancer is the most lethal cancer in the United States with a five-year survival rate of only 5 percent. Despite the statistics, pancreatic cancer is the most under-funded among leading cancer killers with less than 2 percent of the National Cancer Institute's annual research budget--a figure far too low given the severity of the disease.
To address this disparity the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network launched, in January 2008, Raise the Cure, an unprecedented initiative that combines a commitment to raise $25 million in private funding with a call for the federal government to devote more attention and resources to finding a cure and treatments for pancreatic cancer. The federal component of the plan, called The National Plan to Advance Pancreatic Cancer Research, was developed by the organization's esteemed Scientific Advisory Board to provide a detailed blueprint of the research and federal resources required to make true inroads in this disease, and forms the basis for legislation introduced to the United States House of Representatives in September 2008. This historic initiative marks the first major piece of legislation that could address the astounding mortality rate of pancreatic cancer.
"It has been a historic year for the pancreatic cancer community. We need to build upon the tremendous momentum that has been created and continue to heighten the sense of urgency regarding this important cause," said Julie Fleshman, president and CEO of the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network. "There is an urgent need for increased funding to find early detection methods, diagnostic tools and ultimately a cure for this disease. We need you to Raise Your Voice."
Support Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month by going to
http://www.pancan.org/raiseyourvoice and take immediate action and/or participate
in the following activities:
-- Shop our Online Auction - Support us by visiting our eBay(R) auction
from November 1st through December 5th, and bid on exciting items
ranging from travel packages to fun stuff for the kids. Offerings
change weekly, so keep checking back. http://www.ebay.com/pancan
-- Shop at Z Gallerie - In memory of Shirley Zeiden, mother of the
company's founders, Z Gallerie will donate a portion of in-store
and online sales from November 3rd through November 9th. Shop or find a
store near you at http://www.zgallerie.com
-- Picture Your World Purple - Colorfully demonstrate your commitment to
furthering critical research by sending us photos of how you have shown
your support. Please email volunteer@pancan.org
-- Attend our Annual Gala - An Evening with the Stars will take place on
November 15th at the legendary Beverly Wilshire Hotel in Beverly Hills,
CA. For more information visit http://www.pancan.org/ewts08/index.html
To learn more about the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, visit http://www.pancan.org.
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.
SOURCE Pancreatic Cancer Action Network Copyright©2008 PR Newswire. All rights reserved |