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Partnership Honors Gilbert’s Close Relationships with Michael Landon and Patrick Swayze, Both of Whom Passed from the Disease, in Support of Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month
New York, NY, October 14, 2024 — Acclaimed actress, best-selling author and co-founder of Modern Prairie, Melissa Gilbert, together with her business partner, co-founder and CEO Nicole Haase, are teaming up with the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCAN) to launch a special capsule collection from their lifestyle brand, Modern Prairie. This new partnership is dedicated to raising funds and awareness for PanCAN programs as part of Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month this November. Purchases from the Modern Prairie x PanCAN collection will fund PanCAN’s vital resources, services and research that drive progress for this disease.
Melissa lost her mentor, acting partner, favorite director, father figure, friend and boss, Michael Landon, in 1991 to pancreatic cancer. And in 2009, Melissa lost her dear friend, Patrick Swayze, whom she had known since the early 80s. More than 30 years later, she is more committed than ever to honoring Michael’s legacy and Patrick’s memory, educating her community and fighting for the future.
“Michael Landon was one of the greatest influences on my life. His death left an enormous hole in the lives of those of us who knew him personally as well those who simply admired his work. And years later, when I learned that Patrick was diagnosed, I was terrified for him,” said Gilbert. “Obviously, this is not a fight I can take on myself and that is why I am so grateful for PanCAN. PanCAN is truly a one-of-a-kind resource for people whose lives are impacted by pancreatic cancer.”
“Like so many others, I grew up watching Michael Landon and Melissa Gilbert on “Little House on the Prairie,” so it’s such an honor to get to partner with Melissa, Nicole and their company on this initiative,” said Julie Fleshman, JD, MBA, president and CEO of PanCAN. “We are so grateful to her and this opportunity to pay tribute to both Michael and Patrick by spreading awareness and raising money to create progress for pancreatic cancer patients.”
The Modern Prairie x PanCAN capsule collection is set to debut today, leading into November’s Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month and also marking a significant milestone: the 50th anniversary of the beloved hit series “Little House on the Prairie” this fall. This special collection of products includes women’s and children’s bonnets, a set of three pocket squares, a signature pie carrier, a cozy throw, and a versatile tote bag—all featuring a beautiful purple print, the color representing pancreatic cancer awareness.
Pancreatic cancer remains one of the most challenging cancers to prevent, diagnose or treat. Because its risk factors and symptoms are vague, most people with pancreatic cancer are diagnosed at a late stage when their tumor is inoperable, leaving these patients with few treatment options. An estimated 66,440 Americans will be diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 2024, and 51,750 are predicted to die from the disease this year. Current estimates suggest that the disease will be the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States before 2030. The five-year survival rate is just 13% – no other major cancer has a five-year survival less than 20%.
To help educate her community about pancreatic cancer, Melissa will host a workshop on November 14 at 9AM PT/Noon ET on the Modern Prairie platform featuring PanCAN Chief Scientific Officer Lynn Matrisian, PhD, MBA, who will talk about the risks and symptoms of the disease and what to know if you or a loved one is diagnosed. Register for free here.
A longtime supporter of pancreatic cancer education, Gilbert participated in PanCAN PurpleStride, the ultimate walk to end pancreatic cancer, in 2022 with her team, Prairie Strong, to raise funds and awareness. Her connection to Landon and Swayze was deeply personal. Landon, who portrayed her father “Pa Ingalls” on the acclaimed series, also served as a paternal figure in her real life, offering support after the loss of her own father. Gilbert’s collaboration with Swayze in the 2007 Broadway musical “Prairie” further underscores their close bond. The collection is a meaningful extension of Gilbert’s dedication to pancreatic cancer research and her ongoing efforts to honor her late friends.
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About PanCAN
The Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCAN) leads the way in accelerating critical progress for pancreatic cancer patients. PanCAN takes bold action by funding life-saving research, providing personalized patient services and creating a community of supporters and volunteers who will stop at nothing to create a world in which all pancreatic cancer patients will thrive. For more information on the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network and its urgent mission to save lives, visit pancan.org or follow PanCAN on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.
About Modern Prairie
Modern Prairie’s mission is to empower women to (re)discover their confidence and overcome feelings of isolation by fostering a warm, supportive community. Women can come together to share their stories, seek advice, shop, and learn from one another in an environment that celebrates their unique voices and achievements. Modern Prairie is dedicated to amplifying women’s perspectives and connecting them with others who are driving meaningful change in their lives and communities.
Media Contact: pancan@smithhousestrategy.com
