Achievements

Dear Friends of the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network,

Our organization is making significant progress in the fight against pancreatic cancer and we are fully committed to our goal to double pancreatic cancer survival by 2020.  We have started an important and urgent movement. Read about our work, then join us in the fight against pancreatic cancer.

Our accomplishments are multifaceted: Research, Advocacy, Patient Support, Education and Awareness.

• By the end of our current fiscal year, June 30, 2014, we will have awarded nearly $23 million in research grants to 110 scientists around the country. Through our research grants and our advocacy efforts to increase federal funding for pancreatic cancer research, we attract investigators with innovative ideas and brilliant early career scientists to study pancreatic cancer. By recruiting the brightest scientists with the most novel ideas, we continue to build a comprehensive research community, poised to make significant scientific discoveries.

• Through the years, our advocacy efforts have resulted in an increase of more than $100 million in federal research dollars for pancreatic cancer.  This funding is available to researchers around the country. In addition, these efforts resulted in the passing of the Recalcitrant Cancer Research Act signed into law by President Obama on January 2, 2012 requiring the National Cancer Institute to develop a strategic plan on how to fight pancreatic cancer.

• More than 80,000 patients and their family members have received current and reliable information through our PanCAN Patient Services.  Our comprehensive clinical trials database ensures that patients have access to the latest treatment options and leading-edge research.

• Hundreds and hundreds of supporters who are a part of over 60 volunteer affiliates across the nation now raise awareness and funding for pancreatic cancer through our Community Engagement Program. Our volunteer network, which began with just a few individuals, is instrumental in building awareness around the country and encouraging people to take action against pancreatic cancer.

Although much work remains, incredible strides have been made in laying the basic scientific foundation upon which significant progress can be built. Public relations efforts are also moving forward as national visibility of pancreatic cancer continues to increase. As this momentum builds, and new research developments emerge, those affected by pancreatic cancer have more reasons than ever before to feel optimistic.

We wish to thank everyone who has made this extraordinary success possible. We are profoundly grateful for your dedication and commitment to this cause, and we look forward to working with you in this year and beyond.

With warmest regards,

Julie Fleshman, JD, MBA
President & CEO