july 25, 2009

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

THE PANCREATIC CANCER ACTION NETWORK RECOGNIZES THE LEGACY OF RANDY PAUSCH

EL SEGUNDO, CA – (July 25, 2009) – The Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, the only national organization creating hope in a comprehensive way through research, patient support, community outreach and advocacy for a cure, recognizes the legacy of Randy Pausch, one year after his passing from pancreatic cancer. Not only was he an inspiration to millions around the world through his ‘last lecture’, Pausch was an outspoken advocate for the urgent need for increased federal funding for pancreatic cancer research and brought awareness to the fourth leading cause of cancer death in the United States.

“Randy made an extraordinary impact in the pancreatic cancer community and recharged the fight against pancreatic cancer by speaking out publicly to the media and on Capitol Hill about his personal fight with the disease,” stated Julie Fleshman, president and CEO of the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network. “His commitment to the cause demonstrated that one person can truly make a difference; he continues to inspire us everyday.”

Pancreatic cancer is the most lethal cancer among leading cancer killers with a five year survival rate of just five percent. Randy joined the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network on several occasions to bring this urgent message to Congress. He first visited Congress in January of 2008 to help the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network launch the National Plan to Advance Pancreatic Cancer Research, a report detailing a strategic plan for America’s fight against this deadly disease. While testifying to the House Appropriations Committee’s Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies on Capitol Hill in March of 2008, Randy made an impassioned plea for more funding and action on pancreatic cancer research and underscored his point by stating, “Something is wrong when one of the deadliest types of cancer receives so little attention.”

Pancreatic cancer is the most lethal cancer among leading cancer killers with a five year survival rate of just five percent. Randy joined the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network on several occasions to bring this urgent message to Congress. He first visited Congress in January of 2008 to help the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network launch the National Plan to Advance Pancreatic Cancer Research, a report detailing a strategic plan for America’s fight against this deadly disease. While testifying to the House Appropriations Committee’s Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies on Capitol Hill in March of 2008, Randy made an impassioned plea for more funding and action on pancreatic cancer research and underscored his point by stating, “Something is wrong when one of the deadliest types of cancer receives so little attention.”

Randy’s passionate call for members of Congress to take action against this devastating disease led to the introduction, in September of 2008, of the first ever substantive legislation dedicated to pancreatic cancer research. The bill, which is now known as The Pancreatic Cancer Research and Education Act (H.R. 745) which will provide the National Cancer Institute with the necessary tools and resources to make true progress against this disease. Currently, the bill is garnering bi-partisan support in the House with 158 co-sponsors and will likely be introduced in the Senate this fall.

Scientific research being done in Randy’s memory by Pancreatic Cancer Action Network grantee Nabeel Bardeesy, PhD from Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center, who received the Randy Pausch, PhD -- Pancreatic Cancer Action Network – American Association of Cancer Research Pilot Grant in 2008, had encouraging preliminary findings into the role of the Notch signaling pathway. Bardeesy, along with a team of researchers around the country, has demonstrated the importance of the Notch signaling pathway in the progression of pancreatic cancer by using genetically modified mice as the test platform.

Thousands inspired by Randy have made generous donations to the organization in his honor, to date, totaling over $223,000. The Pancreatic Cancer Action Network is proud to pay tribute to Randy by directing all funds received in his memory to help fund research that could lead to early detection methods and effective treatment options currently lacking for pancreatic cancer patients.

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 INQUIRIES ONLY CONTACT:
Jennifer Rosen
Senior Manager, Public Relations
Pancreatic Cancer Action Network
Direct: 310-706-3362
Email:jrosen@pancan.org

ALL OTHER INQUIRIES, PLEASE CALL THE PANCREATIC CANCER ACTION NETWORK AT 877-272-6226 OR EMAIL INFO@PANCAN.ORG.