November 2, 2009

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

PANCREATIC CANCER: KNOW IT. FIGHT IT. END IT.
NOVEMBER IS NATIONAL PANCREATIC CANCER AWARENESS MONTH

EL SEGUNDO, CA – (November 2, 2009) – In recognition of National Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month, the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network is issuing a challenge to increase the number of people aware of the deadly disease through an online interactive campaign “Pancreatic Cancer: Know it. Fight it. End it.”

Supporters can visit www.knowitfightitendit.org to play a match game to test their knowledge of pancreatic cancer and get their family and friends involved by forwarding the game. In addition to the game, the new website also informs visitors about simple ways to raise awareness and take action in their communities, and hear stories of hope and inspiration from survivors of this disease.

“Our goal with this campaign is to increase the number of people who know about this disease so they can help fight it and ultimately end it,” stated Julie Fleshman, president and CEO of the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network. “Although pancreatic cancer is the fourth leading cause of cancer death in our country, many American’s do not realize the severity of this disease. We hope this viral campaign will educate the public in a fun, unique way and bring new community volunteers and advocates to the cause.”

It is important now more than ever to get more American’s involved in the fight against pancreatic cancer because experts project the number of cases will increase by 55 percent by 2030. Pancreatic cancer has the highest mortality rate of all major cancers with a five year survival rate of just 5 percent. According to the American Cancer Society, in 2009, more than 42,000 people will be diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in the United States, and over 35,000 will die from the disease.

In addition to the Know it. Fight it. End it. campaign, the organization encourages people to support National Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month by participating in the following activities:

  • Buy a limited edition My Tempur-Pedic Teddy Bear® – As part of the Tempur-Pedic Hugs Back Campaign, net proceeds from the plush teddy bear will benefit the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network. The bear is filled with the company’s proprietary, pressure-relieving TEMPUR® material – making it perfect for snuggling – and is co-branded with the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network logo. Bears can be purchased throughout the holiday season at select bedding retailers, by calling 888-225-7560 or online at http://www.tempurpedic.com/teddy_bear for $59 each.
  • Shop at Z Gallerie – In memory of Shirley Zeiden, mother of the company’s founders, Z Gallerie will donate a portion of in-store and online sales from November 2nd through November 8th. Shop or find a store near you at www.zgallerie.com.
  • Visit www.pancan.org -- Find out ten different ways to easily make a difference this November and throughout the year.

To learn more about the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, visit www.pancan.org.

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.