Purple Light - November 20, 2011

volunteer for progress during

National pancreatic cancer awareness month in November

Cleveland, OH (November, 2011 ) - The Cleveland Affiliate of the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, the national organization creating hope in a comprehensive way through research, patient support, community outreach and advocacy for a cure, is raising awareness about the fourth leading cause of cancer death in the United States during National Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month in November.  Local leaders of the organization are inviting more citizens to Volunteer for Progress by joining their efforts to advance research, support patients and create hope for the pancreatic cancer community.

 “Pancreatic cancer is among the deadliest cancers in our country with a five year survival rate of just six percent. Volunteers with the Cleveland Affiliate of the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network are doing their part in helping to support the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network in its bold new goal to double the survival rate for pancreatic cancer by 2020. The Cleveland Affiliate is intensifying its efforts to raise awareness in the community, host fundraising events and contact our elected officials to gain support for the Pancreatic Cancer Research and Education Act (S. 362/ H.R. 733),” stated Megan Graham, Volunteer and Event Coordinator, Cleveland Affiliate.  “But, we need help. We need more members of the community to join our efforts and Volunteer for Progress. Together we can know, fight and end this deadly disease.”

All members of the community are invited to participate in the following activities during National Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month:

• PurpleLight - On November 20, 2011 the Cleveland Affiliate of the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network will join thousands of people across the country to participate in one of over 45 PurpleLight Vigil for Hope events. The candlelight vigil will honor those who have fought pancreatic cancer and celebrate the survivors, while raising community awareness about the disease. To register, and submit the name you would like read during the ceremony, please visit    www.purplelight.org

• Tempur-Pedic® 2011 Hugs Back Campaign: Feel the Difference. Make a Difference. -  During the month of November Tempur-Pedic has committed to contribute $10 to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network for every individual who tests a Tempur-Pedic mattress at a participating authorized retailer. To find a retailer visit www.tempurpedic.com
• Z Gallerie Awareness Month Shopping Weekend – In memory of Shirley Zeiden, mother of the company’s founders, Z Gallerie will donate 10 percent sales from November 5 through November 7. Shop or find a store near you at www.zgallerie.com.

This year, over 44,000 Americans will be diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and nearly 38,000 will die. In fact,
74 percent of patients die within the first year of diagnosis. The survival rate has not substantially improved in over forty years because early detection tools and effective treatments have yet to be developed.  Despite these sobering statistics, just two percent of the National Cancer Institute’s (NCI) federal research funding is allocated to pancreatic cancer. Once enacted and fully funded, Pancreatic Cancer Research and Education Act (S. 362/ H.R. 733) will ensure that the NCI develops a long-term comprehensive strategic plan for developing early diagnostics and treatment options that will increase the survival rate for pancreatic cancer patients.

Pancreatic cancer has claimed the lives of many public figures, including actor Patrick Swayze, Carnegie Mellon University Professor and author of the Last Lecture, Dr. Randy Pausch, actor Michael Landon, and opera tenor Luciano Pavarotti.

To learn more about the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network and the Cleveland Affiliate visit:

www.knowitfightitendit.org.

About the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network

The Pancreatic Cancer Action Network is the national organization creating hope in a comprehensive way through research, patient support, community outreach and advocacy for a cure. The organization is leading the way to increase the survival rate for people diagnosed with this devastating disease through a bold initiative —The Vision of Progress: Double the Pancreatic Cancer Survival Rate by 2020. Together, we can know, fight and end pancreatic cancer by intensifying our efforts to heighten awareness, raise funds for comprehensive private research, and advocate for dedicated federal research to advance early diagnostics, better treatments and increase chances of survival.

Contact:

Mary Kaye Mackulin

Media Rep – Cleveland Affiliate
Pancreatic Cancer Action Network
e-mail: mmackulin@pancanvolunteer.org