[/frame]In 2008, when my husband, Patrick Swayze was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, I didn’t know much about the disease, but he did. And he said to me, “I’m a dead man.”
Very quickly I was going to learn the brutal facts of this disease, the facts that were going to change our lives forever. And nearly four years later, these facts have changed little:
[list style=”note”]- This year approx 53,670 will be diagnosed & 43,000 will die.
- 9% survival rate to five years
- Average life expectancy after diagnosis is 3-6 months
- In 2009, the National Cancer Institute spent a mere 2% of their budget on pancreatic research
- Survival statistics have changed little in over 40 years
- Of the five major cancers it is the #1 killer
Startling information, huh? For us, it was beyond depressing. And even more startling, is to find out that pancreatic cancer research is, and has always been, very severely under funded.
When Patrick was diagnosed though, he was not about to take it “lying down.” Not his style. He and I were going to battle this disease with everything we had. And I saw this man fight with admirable dignity, wisdom, and incredible strength.
His one hope was that he’d live long enough to see a cure. Or, at least a treatment that was more effective in fighting this terribly aggressive disease. There was none. In spite of this, he lasted an amazing two years.
For me, just because he’s gone, doesn’t mean the fight is over! People are out there waiting, and praying, and doing their best to fight this disease just like he did. My heartfelt hope is that others receive the hope and support that Patrick fought so hard for.
But they need more than a wing and a prayer. Let’s give it to them!
[spacer size=”10″] [spacer size=”10″] [heading style=”1″]WE CAN TURN THIS AROUND. WE CAN MAKE IT HAPPEN![/heading][frame align=”center”]
[/frame]On Capitol Hill with (L to R); New Jersey Affiliate Coordinator and pancreatic cancer survivor Michael Weinstein, Representative Leonard Lance (R-NJ), New Jersey Affiliate Media Rep Todd Cohen. No cancer has ever made meaningful progress without federal support. The National Cancer Institute budget for pancreatic cancer is 2% of their annual budget. With ten minutes of your time, you can contact your elected official and let them know you support The Pancreatic Cancer Research and Education Act.Go To:
They will make it easy for you to make a difference![/note]
SPEAK UP
[button link=”http://www.pancan.org/section_get_involved/advocate/advocacy_action_center.php” color=”#660099″ size=”3″ style=”1″ dark=”0″ square=”0″ target=”blank”]Contact Your Elected Official[/button]
– Photo by Bruce Webber[/frame]While there are many worthy funds, I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the one in Patrick’s name at Stanford Cancer Center. The doctors, nurses, and people at Stanford are incredible, and Patrick and I are indebted to them for the wonderful, top-notch care we received during his illness.
This fund’s aim is to support studies to increase our understanding of pancreas cancer and develop new therapies and technologies that can be applied to improving diagnosis, treatment, and prevention.
To donate online:
http://giving.stanford.edu/goto/swayzegift
Or, mail to:
The Patrick Swayze Pancreas Cancer Research Fund Stanford Cancer Institute Development Office 2700 Sand Hill Road Menlo Park, CA 94025 650-234-0644 (fax) Or Call: (650) 234-0651 to discuss a gift. [/box] [spacer size=”10″] [frame align=”center”]
[/frame]
