Wage Hope In The Fight Against Pancreatic Cancer At Freedom Plaza

WASHINGTON, June 4, 2015 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Just seven percent of people diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in the United States this year will survive more than five years. 5,000 supporters will join the movement to Wage Hope and double pancreatic cancer survival by 2020 at #PurpleStride Washington, D.C. presented by The Eileen McCarthy Gallant Family. The 5K timed run and awareness walk will take place on Saturday, June 13 and will raise awareness and funds to support the mission of the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network to advance research, support patients and create hope.

To register for PurpleStride Washington, D.C. visit purplestride.org.

The day will honor pancreatic cancer survivors like Brian Rubendall who was diagnosed in February 2013 and was told he had just 11 months to live. Knowing the journey that lay before him, Brian received treatments and underwent a surgery few thought would be possible. Brian will participate in his third PurpleStride event since hearing that he was diagnosed with the fourth leading cause of cancer death in the United States. "As PurpleStride approaches, my scans show that I am currently cancer free. For me, the event was a key component that helped give me the courage I needed to truly become a pancreatic cancer survivor," stated Rubendall.  

Participants will also wage hope as a tribute to those who have passed away from the disease, like Melissa Yazman who lost her battle with pancreatic cancer in 2001. Melissa's son, Josh Yazman, was only nine years old when he lost his mother.

"Before my mother passed we had connected with and advocated alongside the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network which had only been founded a few years earlier," said Yazman. "After I attended my first PurpleStride in 2014 I realized how much the organization has grown and accomplished. I have since joined the fight in my mother's memory as Advocacy Chair for the local affiliate, and am deeply committed to joining the organization to change the future for this deadly disease."

PurpleStride Washington, D.C. event details:

• 5K timed run or family-friendly awareness walk
• Saturday, June 13, 2015 at Freedom Plaza
• Registration begins at 6:30 a.m. and the event will start at 8:00 a.m.
• Family friendly activities throughout the day

PurpleStride Washington, D.C. event sponsors:

• Presenting Sponsor:
  • The Eileen McCarthy Gallant Family
• Affiliate Gold Sponsor:
  • Kovler Fund for CFNCR
• Gold Sponsor:
  • The Ruesch Family
• National Silver Sponsors:
  • Celgene
  • AbbVie

This year, it is estimated nearly 49,000 Americans will be diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and over 40,500 will die from the disease. It is currently the fourth leading cause of cancer death in the United States. A study by the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, published in the journal Cancer Research, predicts that by 2020 pancreatic cancer will surpass breast and colorectal cancer to become the second leading cause of cancer-related death in the United States.

To learn more about the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network and the National Capitol Area 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

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 change outcomes for people diagnosed with this devastating disease through a bold initiative — The Vision of Progress: Double the Survival for Pancreatic Cancer 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.

Contact:
Faith See
Public Relations Manager
Pancreatic Cancer Action Network
Direct: (310)-706-3369  
Email: [email protected]

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20150604/220774

SOURCE Pancreatic Cancer Action Network

Related Links

http://www.pancan.org