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'An Evening With the Stars' Raises More Than $650,000 to Battle Pancreatic Cancer

Posted on: Wednesday, 7 December 2005, 09:00 CST

EL SEGUNDO, Calif., Dec. 7 /PRNewswire/ -- Stars and supporters including NBC's "Today Show" host Katie Couric helped the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCAN) raise more than $650,000 for pancreatic cancer research and awareness at its annual gala on Nov. 12th in Beverly Hills. Hosted by actor and comedian Jay Mohr, "An Evening With the Stars" took place during Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month, a major outreach campaign to advocate for more research, early detection methods and ultimately a cure. Pancreatic cancer is the fourth leading cause of cancer death in the United States. PanCAN is the first, national patient-based advocacy organization for the pancreatic cancer community, including patients, families, medical researchers and physicians.

"Our amazing supporters once again helped us raise much-needed money for many of PanCAN's ongoing activities -- research grants for scientists studying pancreatic cancer, the Patient and Liaison Services Program, our efforts in Washington, DC to increase research dollars for the disease, and services that will raise hope and awareness for thousands of pancreatic cancer patients and their families," said Julie Fleshman, president and CEO of PanCAN. "Thanks to their help, PanCAN looks forward to a dynamic and hopeful 2006 as we battle pancreatic cancer."

The black-tie event featured Couric, who presented the Emily Couric Public Service Award to Wendy Walsh, a dynamic pancreatic cancer activist from Tucson, Ariz. Emily Couric, former Virginia State Senator for the 25th district, died of pancreatic cancer in 2001; she was Katie Couric's sister. Walsh, who recently lost husband William Richard Walsh to pancreatic cancer, is actively involved in the Tucson Team Hope affiliate and is a volunteer patient research advocate at the Arizona Cancer Center.

ABC's hit show, "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition," received the PanCAN Excellence in Media Award, given to a television or film production that increases public awareness of pancreatic cancer and inspires action to find a cure. Design producer Karin Jarlstedt accepted the award for the segment featuring Gordon Harrison of Utah, who continued helping his neighbors even after he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.

William H. Isacoff, MD, received the PanCAN Medical Visionary Award, presented to a prominent individual within the medical or scientific community whose outstanding professional achievements advance the cause of pancreatic cancer research. Based in Los Angeles, Dr. Isacoff has worked for three decades to find better, safer and more effective treatments for patients with pancreatic cancer.

The PanCAN Spirit of Hope Award, which honors the courage of pancreatic cancer patients and their families, went to Judith Stein, an Orange County, Calif. pancreatic cancer advocate who was instrumental in the growth of PanCAN. The Sharon Roberts Pancreatic Cancer Foundation received the Shining Star Award, which honors a volunteer for his/her commitment, leadership, and compassion to improve the lives and enrich the spirits of individuals and their families dealing with pancreatic cancer. The foundation sells the pink crystal bead bracelets Roberts began crafting before her death from pancreatic cancer; proceeds fund pancreatic cancer research.

Pancreatic Cancer Facts for 2005 * In America, one in three women, and one in two men will be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime. * Approximately 32,180 people will be diagnosed with Pancreatic Cancer this year in the United States and 31,800 people will die. * Pancreatic Cancer has the #1 fatality rate of all cancers. * Pancreatic Cancer is the #4 cancer killer in the United States amongst both men and women. * The 99% mortality rate for pancreatic cancer is the highest of any cancer. * Pancreatic Cancer does not discriminate by age, gender or race and only 4% of patients will survive beyond 5 years. * The average life expectancy after diagnosis with metastatic disease is just 3-6 months. * An estimated 52.7 million dollars was spent on pancreatic cancer research in 2004 of the National Cancer Institute's (NCI) cancer research budget. This is just a mere 1% of the NCI's 4.824 billion dollar cancer research budget for 2004. * Despite the especially lethal nature of pancreatic cancer, the research spending per pancreatic cancer patient is only $1145, the lowest of any leading cancer. * No effective early detection methods have been developed, there are minimal treatment options available and very little research is under way due to limited research funding. About PanCAN

PanCAN is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 1999 by surviving family members of individuals who died of pancreatic cancer. Chartered as a grassroots organization of advocacy for pancreatic cancer patients and their families, PanCAN currently has volunteers and members throughout the United States and around the world. PanCAN is the first, national public-benefit advocacy organization for the pancreatic cancer community. The organization works to focus national attention on the need to find a cure for pancreatic cancer, and provides public and professional education embracing the urgent need for more research, effective treatments, prevention programs and early detection methods. Visit http://www.pancan.org/ to obtain more information, e-mail info@pancan.org, or call 1-877-272-6226.

Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCAN)

CONTACT: Jennifer Beaver, +1-562-983-8117, or Aaron Kiel,+1-562-983-8113, akiel@akprgroup.com, both Public Relations Consultants forPancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCAN); or Julie Fleshman, President andCEO, jfleshman@pancan.org, or Al James, Marketing & Communications Director,ajames@pancan.org, both of Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCAN),+1-310-725-0025

Web site: http://www.pancan.org/

Source: PRNewswire

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