FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

THE PANCREATIC CANCER ACTION NETWORK DEBUTS A NEW PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT FEATURING CARNEGIE MELLON PROFESSOR DR. RANDY PAUSCH

EL SEGUNDO, CA – (April 2, 2008) – The Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (www.pancan.org) released today a new Public Service Announcement (PSA) featuring Carnegie Mellon Professor, Dr. Randy Pausch, who is dying from pancreatic cancer and whose “last lecture” reflecting on life’s lessons has become an internet sensation. During the PSA, Pausch speaks about his diagnosis and the urgent need to fund pancreatic cancer research. Currently, less than 2% of the National Cancer Institute’s federal research funding is allocated to pancreatic cancer, a figure far too low given the severity of the disease. Pancreatic cancer is the 4th leading cause of cancer death in the United States, yet it is the most under-recognized and least studied among all leading cancer killers.

“Randy Pausch has been an amazing champion for the pancreatic cancer community, and we are grateful for his time and efforts on behalf of the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network,” stated President and CEO, Julie Fleshman. “While Randy’s efforts will not save his life, we hope the public will understand the sense of urgency behind his message. We need to take action now by raising the appropriate funds for pancreatic cancer research that will ultimately lead to a cure.”

“There are very few advocates for this disease because patients don’t live long enough, but I have been given a platform by the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network to raise my voice for this community,” added Dr. Pausch. “With increased funding for research, the best scientific minds can make strides against this deadly disease and give patients a fighting chance.”

Click here to view the PSA featuring Dr. Randy Pausch. Please contact Jennifer Reeves at the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network to request a DVD copy.

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.

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MEDIA CONTACT

Jennifer Reeves
Public Relations Manager
Pancreatic Cancer Action Network
Direct: 310-321-6542
Email: jreeves@pancan.org