Pancreatic Cancer Action Network News

The Pancreatic Cancer Action Network Mourns The Loss of Carnegie Mellon University Professor Dr. Randy Pausch

EL SEGUNDO, Calif., July 25 PRNewswire — The Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (http://www.pancan.org), the only national organization creating hope in a comprehensive way through research, patient support, community outreach and advocacy for a cure, is deeply saddened by the loss of Carnegie Mellon University Professor Dr. Randy Pausch. During his nearly two year battle with pancreatic cancer, he helped raise awareness of the disease and the urgent need for additional funding for pancreatic cancer research.

"The Pancreatic Cancer Action Network offers its condolences to the Pausch family and all who were inspired by his life and 'last lecture'," stated President and CEO, Julie Fleshman. "Our organization is eternally grateful for his advocacy efforts and we will continue to carry his message forward as we fight this terrible disease."

Dr. Pausch gave a face to pancreatic cancer, the most under-recognized of all leading cancer killers, by speaking out publicly. In March, he testified on behalf of the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network to the U.S. House of Representative's Appropriations Committee's Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education Related Agencies. In his powerful and emotional testimony he reiterated the urgent to need increase federal funding for pancreatic cancer research and said, "People in research labs can do miraculous things if they're given the resources to do their jobs," a point he continued to make in a public service announcement for the organization.

Current federal funding for pancreatic cancer research is fatally slow. To address this disparity the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, joined by Dr. Pausch in January 2008, launched Raise the Cure, an unprecedented initiative that combines a commitment to raise $25 million in private funding with a call for the federal government to devote more attention and resources to finding a cure and treatments for pancreatic cancer. The federal component of the plan, called The National Plan to Advance Pancreatic Cancer Research, was developed by the organization's esteemed Scientific Advisory Board, and is a detailed blueprint of the research and federal resources required to make true inroads in this disease.

"Dr. Pausch raised public awareness and visibility on Capitol Hill that is unparalleled," added Fleshman. "He has helped change the course of history for this disease and blazed a new trail for our advocates and volunteers to carry his legacy forward."

To learn more about the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, visit http://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.

Available Topic Expert(s): For information on the listed expert(s), click appropriate link. Julie Fleshman http://profnet.prnewswire.com/Subscriber/ExpertProfile.aspx?ei=75525

SOURCE Pancreatic Cancer Action Network

Send this news item to a friend.

Print This Page