Supporters advocate for PanCAN on behalf of pancreatic cancer survivors and those lost

This photo, shared on our Advocacy Week honor wall with a brief story of a long friendship cut short because of pancreatic cancer, showcases one of the many reasons advocates raise their voices about the urgent need for more federal research funding for the disease.
“45 years of friendship: After losing my oldest friend to pancreatic cancer, I decided to get involved to carry on what she was most passionate about, ensuring access to information about pancreatic cancer for communities of color, who are disproportionately affected by this disease…”
“As an eight-year survivor, advocacy always brings to mind the researchers who are working to advance medical research in the fight to end pancreatic cancer. This week will be no different! Thank you to all the researchers, surgeons and doctors. You are making a difference and I will continue to fight alongside of you!”
“Mom, you were the joy of my life. Thank you for your love, kindness and devotion. I wish you were still here with me. I love you and miss seeing your lovely face.”

The stories. They’re the reason for the action we all take together as advocates for the pancreatic cancer cause.

Starting Monday, June 15, and throughout the week, you can ensure that these stories and so many others are heard when you participate in the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network’s (PanCAN) first-ever virtual Advocacy Week.

By participating, you’ll join thousands of other advocates, from all 50 states, as we call on Congress to increase federal research funding for pancreatic cancer.

 “I am an 11-year survivor, having enrolled in a clinical trial. As the survival rate is still abysmal (though improving), my objective is to foster more survivors.“

PanCAN’s Advocacy Week kicks off with an opening session (register now!) Monday at 1 p.m. PT/4 p.m. ET, featuring special guests Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) and cancer researcher Anirban Maitra, M.B.B.S., discussing:

  • Why your participation in Advocacy Week is critical
  • Why there is an urgent need for increased federal funding
  • Exactly what you can do to help

This Kick-off Event will be hosted by PanCAN President and CEO Julie Fleshman, JD, MBA, and other special guests will speak, too, about how talking to their members of Congress has made a real difference.

“I advocate for my great-aunt, who died in 2019, her brother, my grandfather who passed away two years ago, and my uncle who passed away just before Christmas. I’m a college student. I don’t have a lot of money to contribute, but I have a voice. I also dyed my hair purple a few weeks ago in their memory.”
“After having three siblings diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, I fight for my children, my nieces, my nephews, your children and your loved ones of the next generation. I continue to fight for an early detection tool and better treatment options. I fight for funding for more research. We are making a difference. We can’t stop now.”
Who do you advocate for? Share your story on our honor wall as a reminder of why Advocacy Week is so important.

The timing of PanCAN’s Advocacy Week is critical – Congress will soon make key decisions on federal funding.

And on Tuesday, June 16, during National Call Congress Day, we’ll urge Congress to increase funding for the Department of Defense’s dedicated pancreatic cancer research program, which was created for the first time last year as a direct result of YOUR advocacy efforts, from $6 million to $10 million.

Additionally, we’ll ask members of Congress to support $44.7 billion for the National Institutes of Health and for $6.9 billion for National Cancer Institute.

Research funding is crucial to solving this challenging disease – 80% comes from the federal government.

You can call your member of Congress on Call Congress Day, too – check back tomorrow for easy instructions and a script you can use.

“I advocate for my dad, who this year will be gone 25 years. To see leaps and bounds of pancreatic cancer research is why I continue to advocate. I also continue to advocate for all the friends I have met along the way. We must keep the momentum going. I will call, email and ask our representatives to support this cause until we find a cure.”

Learn more about all the easy actions you can take this week – there’s something new and impactful for you to do each day, and each will only take a few minutes:

  • Tuesday: National Call Congress Day
  • Wednesday: Send a message to Congress
  • Thursday: Tweet your member of Congress
  • Friday: Wrap-up and thank-you for making a difference!

Your story is important. Your voice is critical. Join us.

Contact a Patient Central Associate
Register for the Kick-off Event for PanCAN’s Advocacy Week so you can take action and make a difference.