Community Corner

Letter to the Editor: Congress Must Pass Bill for Pancreatic Cancer Research

Local volunteer seeks support for fight against disease

To the Editor,

I was deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Sally Ride, the first American woman in space, who lost her 17-month battle with pancreatic cancer. She had an inspiring, accomplished career and is an icon in our nation’s history.

Tragically, for those who have been touched by pancreatic cancer, 17 months is an exception, as 74 percent of patients die within the first year of diagnosis. Perhaps what is worse is that pancreatic cancer is one of the few cancers for which the relative five year survival rate, of just 6 percent, has not improved substantially in over 40 years since the passage of the National Cancer Act.

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After losing the love of my life at 48 years old, I became a volunteer for the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network.  It is hard not to get involved after you deal with this disease and learn the statistics. 

We need Congress to pass the Pancreatic Cancer Research & Education Act (S. 362/H.R. 733) which would put a long-term comprehensive strategic research plan in place that would help develop effective treatment options that would ultimately give those diagnosed with pancreatic cancer a fighting chance. The bill is currently being debated and has strong bi-partisan support in Congress, in fact, with nearly 60 Senate co-sponsors and over 270 House co-sponsors, the bill has more bi-partisan support than the overwhelming majority of bills currently under consideration. 

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I hope all those inspired by Sally Ride will honor her memory by joining the fight against pancreatic cancer.  To learn more, visit www.pancan.org.  Together we can know, fight and end this deadly disease.

And if you are interested in supporting our organization and the fight against Pancreatic Cancer, please join the Cleveland Affiliate on Sunday, August 26, 2012 at Progressive Field as we Turn Progressive Purple and the Tribe takes on the New York Yankees.  You can find details on line at www.pancan.org/cleveland and click on the Awareness Day link to purchase your tickets.  Make sure you enter our special code, “pancan”.  A portion of each ticket sold will go directly to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network to continue funding research and direct patient support.

Sincerely,

MaryKaye Mackulin
Media Representative, Cleveland Affiliate
Pancreatic Cancer Action Network
440.212.4741
mmackulin@pancanvolunteer.org


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