Local participants will join the movement to change the future for pancreatic cancer during November, Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month
DALLAS, Oct. 21, 2015 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Pancreatic cancer is one of the nation's deadliest cancers, with a five-year survival rate of just seven percent. To improve these statistics and to celebrate Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month, local volunteers for the Dallas – Fort Worth Affiliate of the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network are calling on the community to join them in the movement to rewrite the future for pancreatic cancer at PurpleStride DFW, presented by Bell Nunnally & Martin LLP and Goldman Sachs.
The 5K timed run and awareness walk taking place on Sunday, Nov. 8, 2015 will raise awareness and funds for the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, the national organization committed to advancing research, supporting patients and creating hope.
Register today at purplestride.org/dfw.
Participants will Wage Hope in honor of those currently battling the disease, like Dallas resident Darshonnia Lee who has bravely been fighting pancreatic cancer for over a year.
Lee was fortunate to be diagnosed at an early stage after undergoing tests for an unrelated condition. When reviewing test results, Lee's doctor noticed a shadow on her liver. After several tests, she was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and underwent surgery one month later.
"With no early diagnostic tools, I consider myself incredibly lucky that I was diagnosed as early on as I was; a feeling sadly that many of my fellow survivors do not get to share," said Lee. "That is why I have joined the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, to advance research and ensure patients receive the support and information that they need when facing this disease."
Participants will also Wage Hope as a tribute to those who have passed away from the disease, including mother and daughter Gertie Gramlich and Cindy Toth. Gertie and Cindy were diagnosed within 16 days of one another and passed less than six months later, just 17 days apart. Gertie's daughter and Cindy's sister Dianna has since joined the fight against pancreatic cancer and is committed to doubling survival of pancreatic cancer by 2020. Dianna will be joined by friends and family at the event to honor her mother and sister.
With more supporters and participants, the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network can make strides toward its 2020 goal and accelerate its proven approach to fighting the disease. The strategy combines research, builds and sustains federal support, provides support for individuals and families living with the disease through its unique patient services and raises awareness in communities across the country.
Nearly 49,000 individuals will be diagnosed with pancreatic cancer this year and more than 40,000 will die from the disease.
PurpleStride DFW Honorary Chairs include Muhammad Shaalan Beg, MD of UT Southwestern Medical Center, Scott Celinski, MD, FACS of Baylor University Medical Center at Dallas, D. Rohan Jeyarajah ,MD FACS of Methodist Dallas Medical Center, and G. Thomas Shires III, MD of Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Dallas.
Additional sponsors include:
To learn more about the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network and the Dallas – Fort Worth Affiliate, please visit pancan.org.
Follow us: www.facebook.com/jointhefight
Watch us: www.youtube.com/StopPancreaticCancer
Tweet us: @pancan #PurpleStride
Instagram us: @pancan #PurpleStride
Presenting Sponsors: Bell Nunnally & Martin LLP and Goldman Sachs
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 survival for people diagnosed with this devastating disease through a bold initiative — The Vision of Progress: Double Pancreatic Cancer Survival by 2020. Together, we can Wage Hope in the fight against 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 and better treatments and increase chances of survival.
Contact:
Faith See
Public Relations Manager
Pancreatic Cancer Action Network
Direct: 310-706-3369
Email: [email protected]
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SOURCE Pancreatic Cancer Action Network
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