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July 23, 2012
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Pancreatic Cancer Action Network Responds To The Passing Of Sally Ride
MANHATTAN BEACH, Calif. (July 23, 2012) — The Pancreatic Cancer Action Network today released the following statement regarding the passing of Sally Ride, the first American woman to travel into space:
“Sally Ride was an inspiration for all Americans, not just young women who learned from her extraordinary example that anything is possible,” said Julie Fleshman, president and CEO of the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network. “At 61, Ms. Ride’s life was cut entirely too short by a ruthless disease. Ms. Ride is one of nearly 38,000 Americans who will lose their battle with pancreatic cancer this year. Unfortunately, just six percent of pancreatic cancer patients survive their diagnosis after five years – a rate that has stayed unacceptably consistent.”
“The Pancreatic Cancer Action Network is working with an unprecedented network of patients and family members to advocate for the passage of the Pancreatic Cancer Research & Education Act this year. The legislation would, for the very first time, compel the National Cancer Institute to create a long term comprehensive strategic plan to fight the disease. We can make progress against this deadly disease, but we can’t beat it without an adequate plan. The legislation now has nearly 60 Senate co-sponsors and over 270 House co-sponsors – a level of bi-partisan support that is rare. We owe it to the memory of Sally Ride and so many others to finally give our scientists and doctors the tools they need to finally make real progress against pancreatic cancer.”
About the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network
The Pancreatic Cancer Action Network is the national organization creating hope in a comprehensive way through research, patient support, community outreach and advocacy for a cure. The organization is leading the way to increase the survival rate for people diagnosed with this devastating disease through a bold initiative — The Vision of Progress: Double the Pancreatic Cancer Survival Rate by 2020. Together, we can know, fight and end pancreatic cancer by intensifying our efforts to heighten awareness, raise funds for comprehensive private research, and advocate for dedicated federal research to advance early diagnostics, better treatments and increase chances of survival.
