New York Yankees All-Star Pitcher David Robertson Commits to Strike Out Pancreatic Cancer

MANHATTAN BEACH, Calif., Sept. 20, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- David Robertson has teamed up with the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network to strike out the fourth leading cause of cancer death in the United States. As one of the organization's cause champions, Robertson will serve as Honorary Captain of TEAMHOPE®, the organization's national marathon team, at the 2011 ING New York City Marathon. In partnership with the New York Yankees, Robertson is featured in a new public service announcement to educate fans and the general public about the severity of pancreatic cancer.

Pancreatic cancer has one of the poorest relative survival rates of any cancer - 74 percent die within one year of diagnosis and the five year survival rate is just six percent. No early detection method is available and few effective treatment options exist for patients. Despite these sobering statistics, approximately two percent of the National Cancer Institute's federal research funding is allocated to pancreatic cancer. As a result, the pancreatic cancer survival rate has remained largely unchanged in over forty years.

"After learning of the staggering statistics for pancreatic cancer, I knew I needed to step up and help bring attention to this disease," stated David Robertson.  "My wife Erin and I are that much more motivated to partner with the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network having recently met local survivors and volunteers for the organization. Each of their powerful stories compelled us to take action with the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network to help beat this devastating disease."

"We applaud David and Erin for recognizing that they can make a difference by joining our efforts to advance research, support patients and create hope for the pancreatic cancer community," said Julie Fleshman, President and CEO of the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network. "They will be wonderful partners for the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network as we work diligently to double the survival rate for pancreatic cancer by 2020.  Having supporters like the Robertsons, who have no personal connection to the disease but fully understand how insidious and difficult pancreatic cancer is, helps us build greater awareness and attract other advocates from the general public to our cause."

This year, it is estimated 44,030 people in the United States will be diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and 37,660 will die from the disease. "I know, as a team, we can make a difference and bring greater hope to loved ones and friends who will face this leading cancer killer," added Robertson.

To learn more about the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, visit www.pancan.org. For more information on TEAMHOPE® and how you can join future marathon teams, go to www.iamteamhope.org.

About the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network

The Pancreatic Cancer Action Network is the national organization creating hope in a comprehensive way through research, patient support, community outreach and advocacy for a cure. The organization is leading the way to increase the survival rate for people diagnosed with this devastating disease through a bold initiative—The Vision of Progress: Double the Pancreatic Cancer Survival Rate by 2020. Together, we can know, fight and end pancreatic cancer by intensifying our efforts to heighten awareness, raise funds for comprehensive private research, and advocate for dedicated federal research to advance early diagnostics, better treatments and increase chances of survival.

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Julie Fleshman

http://www.profnetconnect.com/julie_fleshman

SOURCE Pancreatic Cancer Action Network