Outreach October 2010 - Pancreatic Cancer Action Network

OUTREACH
Vol X issue III october 2010
Record number of advocates
rally on Capitol Hill for
Pancreatic Cancer
Advocacy Day 2010
October 2010 OUTREACH
1
CHAIR’S MESSAGE
CELEBRATING ANOTHER SUCCESSFUL YEAR
Dear Pancreatic Cancer Action Network Friends:
Thanks to the inspiring generosity of our stellar donors
and support of volunteers nationwide, our 2009-‘10 fiscal
year, that ended on June 30, was another successful one
for the organization. I want to personally acknowledge
everyone who contributed for their benevolence in helping
to further the organization’s mission.
These donations helped to fund one of the important aims of the Pancreatic Cancer
Action Network: our research grants program. In 2010, approximately $2.3 million
was incurred to fund research grants awarded to outstanding investigators. To
learn more about our 2011 research grants program, please see page 1.
In other news, the endorsement of a respected celebrity is helping to further
raise the organization‘s profile. Writer, director and best-selling author Lisa Niemi
Swayze, who lost her husband, Patrick Swayze, to pancreatic cancer in 2009, has
agreed to serve as our spokesperson. We are extremely grateful for her support
and dedication.
You may have received a heartfelt e-mail from Lisa on September 14, the
first anniversary of Patrick’s death, urging you to be a hero in the fight against
pancreatic cancer. Lisa kicked off our November awareness campaign with a
special message about the urgent need to fight the disease and with a touching
video promoting our theme: Be a Hero in the Fight Against Pancreatic Cancer.
Know It. Fight It. End It. (Watch Lisa's video at www.knowitfinditendit.org.) We are
excited that Lisa is lending her voice to our cause and this campaign. To find out
how you can take action this November as part of the campaign, turn to page 6.
As always, your ongoing support and generosity, enabling us to continue providing
much-needed, high-quality services and programs for the pancreatic cancer
community, is deeply appreciated.
Sincerely,
Jason Kuhn
Board Chair
P.S. Congratulations to David Tuveson, MD, PhD, who began serving a two-year
term as the chair of the organization's Scientific Advisory Board in July. Look for
more information about Dr. Tuveson's appointment in the February 2011 issue of
Outreach.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Jason Kuhn, Chair, Tampa, Fla.
Stephanie R. Davis, JD, MA, Secretary,
Sherman Oaks, Calif.
Tim Ennis, Boca Raton, Fla.
Julie Fleshman, JD, MBA, President & CEO,
Los Angeles
Stevan Holmberg, MBA, DBA, Potomac, Md.
Peter Kovler, Washington, D.C.
Laurie MacCaskill, Los Angeles
Jai Pausch, Hampton Roads, Va.
Stuart Rickerson, Rancho Santa Fe, Calif.
Cynthia Stroum, Founding Chair Emeritus,
Seattle
SCIENTIFIC ADVISORY BOARD
David Tuveson, MD, PhD, Chair,
Cambridge Research Institute/CRUK
Dafna Bar-Sagi, PhD, New York University
Teri Brentnall, MD, University of Washington
Michael Hollingsworth, PhD,
University of Nebraska Medical Center
Ralph Hruban, MD, Johns Hopkins University
Elizabeth Jaffee, MD, Johns Hopkins University
Craig Logsdon, PhD,
MD Anderson Cancer Center
Margaret Mandelson, PhD,
Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center
Gloria Petersen, PhD, Mayo Clinic
Margaret Tempero, MD,
University of California, San Francisco
Selwyn Vickers, MD, University of Minnesota
Geoffrey Wahl, PhD, Salk Institute
MEDICAL ADVISORY COUNCIL
Mark Talamonti, MD, Chair,
NorthShore University HealthSystem
Jordan Berlin, MD,
Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center
Marcia Canto, MD, Johns Hopkins University
Christopher Crane, MD,
MD Anderson Cancer Center
Jason Fleming, MD,
MD Anderson Cancer Center
Julie Meddles, RD, LD,
Ohio State University Medical Center
Mary Mulcahy, MD,
Northwestern University
Maria Petzel, RD, CSO, LD, CNSD,
MD Anderson Cancer Center
Vincent Picozzi, MD,
Virginia Mason Medical Center
Mark Pochapin, MD, Jay Monahan Center for
Gastrointestinal Health
OUR MISSION
The Pancreatic Cancer Action Network is a nationwide network of people dedicated to working together
to advance research, support patients and create hope for those affected by pancreatic cancer.
Cover image: Angela Johnson
www.redboatimages.com
NEARLY $3 MILLION COMMITTED TO RESEARCH FOR 2011
APPLICATION DEADLINE IS OCTOBER 27 FOR MOST GRANTS
The Pancreatic Cancer Action Network has committed almost $3 million to research through its 2011 grants program,
representing a 30 percent increase compared to 2010 funding.
Since the inception of its grants program in 2003, the
organization has awarded 56 grants totaling more than
$7.2 million to scientists across the country.
As the 2010 grant recipients embark on their proposed
research projects, another group of highly talented scientists
and clinicians will soon be welcomed into the organization’s
research family. The grants program addresses two major
barriers to research progress in pancreatic cancer – a sparse
research community and limited funding – by attracting and
retaining bright investigators to study pancreatic cancer, and
supporting their research endeavors to accelerate scientific
breakthroughs.
In addition to providing funding for research projects, the
Pancreatic Cancer Action Network also strives to mold future
leaders in the field. Three of the research grant mechanisms
are specifically designed to support promising scientists
early in their careers: Fellowship, Career Development, and
Pathway to Leadership awards. Attracting young researchers to pursue careers focused on pancreatic cancer is an
ongoing goal of the organization. To accomplish this, mentor
relationships are fostered between young researchers and
more senior scientists, based on common research interests.
Further, grant recipients are given multiple opportunities
to interact and present their work to members of the
organization’s Scientific Advisory Board and Medical
Advisory Council, gaining invaluable insights, advice and the
potential for future collaborations.
The final grant mechanism is the Innovative Grant, formerly known as the Pilot Grant. Innovative Grants support
projects that are novel, pose questions that have not yet
been addressed, or utilize unconventional experimental approaches. Independent investigators at any stage of their
careers are eligible for Innovative Grants. This mechanism
also invites cancer researchers focused on other tumor types
to apply their knowledge and expertise to pancreatic cancer,
further strengthening and expanding the pancreatic cancer
research community. (Note: By press time, the deadline for
Letters of Intent for the Innovative Grant had passed.)
The 2011 Pancreatic Cancer Action Network grants will
once again be administered in partnership with the American
Association for Cancer Research (AACR). AACR’s involvement ensures unbiased funding of the most meritorious
research projects, via a rigorous peer-review system, emphasizing originality and scientific credibility.
October 2010 OUTREACH
Grant applications must be submitted online through
proposalCENTRAL (https://proposalcentral.altum.com). The
grant terms start July 1, 2011.
For additional information, visit http://www.pancan.org/grants
or contact Rhonda Aizenberg, PhD, at raizenberg@pancan.org.
To learn more about opportunities to provide financial support
for our research program, contact Pamela Acosta Marquardt at
pmarquardt@pancan.org.
2011 GRANTS PROGRAM FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES
Pathway to Leadership Grant
Up to five years of support totaling $600,000 for a
highly promising early career scientist beginning in a
postdoctoral position and continuing through transition
to independence.
Eligibility: Applicant must be in the first five years of a
postdoctoral or clinical research fellowship (i.e., started
a fellowship on or after July 2, 2006) at the beginning of
the grant term.
Application Deadline: October 27, 2010, Noon ET
Fellowship Award
One-year grant totaling $45,000 for an early career
scientist to support his/her mentored research.
Eligibility: Applicant must be in the first three years of a
postdoctoral or clinical research fellowship (i.e., started
fellowship on or after July 2, 2008) at the beginning of
the grant term.
Application Deadline: October 27, 2010, Noon ET
Career Development Award
Two-year grant totaling $200,000 for a newly independent investigator to develop or strengthen a research
program in pancreatic cancer.
Eligibility: Applicant must be in the first four years of a
faculty appointment (i.e., completed postdoctoral/clinical fellowship on or after July 2, 2007) at the beginning
of the grant term.
Application Deadline: October 27, 2010, Noon ET
Innovative Grant
Two-year grant totaling $200,000 intended to further
the development of new and innovative ideas and
approaches, including those successful in other areas of
cancer that show promise for pancreatic cancer.
Eligibility: Applicant must be an independent junior or
senior investigator (not including postdoctoral/clinical
fellows).
Letter of Intent Deadline: Closed
1
MEET A GRANTEE
FRANK MCCORMICK, PHD, FRS: LAUNCHING A NEW ATTACK ON K-RAS
Dr. McCormick received the
2010 Fredman Family Foundation – Pancreatic Cancer Action
Network – AACR Innovative
Grant. The author of several of
the most widely cited papers in
cancer biology, Dr. McCormick
has revolutionized understanding of cancer-causing viruses
and identified important regulators of a signaling pathway
Frank McCormick, PhD, FRS
altered in many cancer types,
including pancreatic cancer. He founded Onyx Pharmaceuticals in 1992, where he developed a drug commonly used to
treat certain kidney and liver cancers. When the University
of California, San Francisco Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center was founded in 1998, Dr. McCormick was
recruited to serve as its director, a position he still holds.
While several of the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network
grant mechanisms cater to young scientists early in their
careers, the Innovative Grant is open to independent investigators at any career level. The purpose of this award is
to support creative ideas and unconventional experimental
approaches. This funding opportunity welcomes projects
proposed by more senior investigators for whom pancreatic
cancer has not previously been a primary research focus.
The knowledge and experience provided by these scientists
can greatly enhance progress in pancreatic cancer research.
The Innovative Grant is a perfect fit for Dr. McCormick.
A great deal of his work has focused on a cell signaling
pathway involving a protein called Ras. This protein plays
a critical role in signaling that ultimately results in growth,
survival, movement, and other cellular properties that, when
altered, are traits of cancer cells. Dr. McCormick contributed greatly to the understanding of this pathway by
discovering and characterizing additional proteins that are
involved in positively and negatively regulating the activated
state of Ras. Mutations of Ras and alterations of Ras pathway members are extremely common in cancer, especially
pancreatic.
In fact, the specific Ras family protein called K-Ras has
been shown to be mutated in up to 90 percent of pancreatic tumors. It is well established that K-Ras plays a crucial
role in the initiation and maintenance of pancreatic cancer.
Because of cancer cells’ dependence on K-Ras signaling,
the protein makes an attractive candidate as a therapeutic
target. However, previous attempts at targeting K-Ras in
pancreatic and other cancers have been unsuccessful.
For his funded project, Dr. McCormick proposes developing a drug to block K-Ras in an unconventional manner.
Investigators know that the K-Ras protein must be embedded
in the cell membrane in order to become active. Rather than
attempt to block the protein activity directly, McCormick aims
to create a drug that will bind to K-Ras and physically impede
its attachment to the cell membrane. McCormick calls his
strategy “a new attack on an old target”.
When asked what advice he would give to early-career
scientists focused on pancreatic cancer, McCormick shared
a simple message: “Now is the time. We have the best knowledge, best tools at our disposal to try to make an impact.”
K-Ras has proven to be an elusive target to other cancer
researchers. Previously, Dr. McCormick focused his attention on observing and understanding Ras and its signaling
partners. He is now motivated to find a novel way to block
K-Ras activity as a means to treat pancreatic cancer.
“Last year, our family funded our first research grant through the
Pancreatic Cancer Action Network after losing our beautiful mother to
pancreatic cancer. We found comfort in supporting the work of this
most worthy organization while at the same time paying tribute to her.
This year, we are thrilled to be able to fund an even larger grant to
support the innovative thinking that we feel is necessary to one day
find a cure. Our family is honored to play a role in helping to shape
what is needed to stop this insidious disease.”
2
Fredman family
— Fredman Family Foundation (in honor of Ruth Fredman Cernea)
October 2010 OUTREACH
INCREASED FEDERAL FUNDING URGENTLY
NEEDED FOR PANCREATIC CANCER RESEARCH
As one of the country’s leading cancer killers, pancreatic
cancer presents a significant challenge for scientists and
clinicians to understand, diagnose, and treat. While great
strides have been made in fighting other forms of cancer in
recent years, breakthroughs in pancreatic cancer have eluded investigators.
Pancreatic cancer research has lagged behind that of
other cancer types for multiple reasons. First, people do not
generally pay much attention to the pancreas. The same
goes for doctors, who do not have the means to routinely
check their patients’ pancreatic health. If present, symptoms
of pancreatic cancer are often quite nonspecific, leading to
tragic delays in diagnosis.
Because of the location and diverse functions of the
organ, and a lack of obvious symptoms, the majority of pancreatic tumors are diagnosed late, when surgery is no longer
a feasible option. Surgery is the most effective way to treat
pancreatic cancer, but the majority of patients are not viable
candidates. Although numerous combinations of chemotherapeutics, targeted drugs, and radiation have been tested
to treat pancreatic cancer, few beneficial treatment options
currently exist.
Improved diagnostic tools and therapies have revolutionized the management of other cancer types. Bright and
hard-working doctors and scientists worldwide tirelessly
strive to bring the same successes to pancreatic cancer.
However, none of these advances will be possible without
adequate funding and other needed resources.
The vast majority of biomedical research conducted in the
United States is funded by the government, via the National
Institutes of Health (NIH). Within the NIH, the National Cancer
Institute (NCI) supports research on cancer.
In 2009, the NCI dedicated a mere two percent of its total
budget to research grants focused on pancreatic cancer. For
decades, pancreatic cancer has received a similar fraction
of NCI dollars, representing dramatically less funding than its
societal health toll demands. The funding awarded to other
cancer types, such as breast and prostate, eclipses that allotted to pancreatic cancer. Consequently, the diseases which
receive the larger amounts of funding generally see greater research advancements and subsequent clinical improvements.
The successes seen in breast, prostate, and other cancer
types serve as evidence that the appropriate combination of
bright minds, hard work, and ample research funds can and
will lead to similar advances in pancreatic cancer diagnosis
and treatment.
Through its grants program, the Pancreatic Cancer Action
Network is dedicated to attracting and retaining bright scientists to study pancreatic cancer. (See page 1.) Additionally,
the organization encourages increased federal research funding by meeting directly with the NCI staff, educating Members
of Congress and promoting legislation urging the NCI to create
a strategic plan and targeted research program to address
pancreatic cancer. The combination of these efforts with enhanced cooperation from the NCI will be necessary to make
pancreatic cancer progress a reality.
SU2C DREAM TEAM OPENS CLINICAL TRIAL
Stand Up To Cancer (SU2C), a charitable
initiative of the Entertainment Industry
Foundation, was formed in 2008 to support
groundbreaking research aimed at delivering new cancer
treatments to patients in an accelerated timeframe.
In 2009, SU2C awarded an unprecedented $18 million
grant to fund a scientific dream team focused on studying pancreatic cancer. The pancreatic cancer dream team comprises
scientists from notable institutions across the U.S. and is led
by Daniel Von Hoff, MD, Director of the Clinical Translational
Research Division at the Translational Genomics Research
Institute (TGen), and Craig Thompson, MD, Director of the
Abramson Cancer Center at the University of Pennsylvania.
The researchers on this team are working to better
understand how pancreatic tumors utilize glucose and/
October 2010 OUTREACH
or glutamine as fuel. Meanwhile, members of the team
at Johns Hopkins University (Drs. Dan Laheru and Ana
De Jesus) recently opened a Phase II clinical trial to test
the effectiveness of a new targeted agent in patients with
metastatic pancreatic cancer.
The Phase II trial involves a new drug targeting the
hedgehog pathway, called GDC-0449, used in combination
with gemcitabine (Gemzar®) and nab-paclitaxel (Abraxane®).
Scientists have demonstrated that the hedgehog pathway
plays a role in maintaining a dense layer around the tumor,
which is thought to prevent drug delivery to it.
To learn more about this clinical trial or other pancreatic
cancer treatment options, contact the Pancreatic Cancer
Action Network's PALS program toll-free at 877-272-6226, M-F
7am-5pm Pacific Time or e-mail pals@pancan.org.
3
FOURTH ANNUAL PANCREATIC CANCER ADVOCACY DAY AND
NATIONAL CALL-IN HAILED AS NOTABLE SUCCESS
Nearly 1,000 Pancreatic Cancer Action Network supporters
from across the nation joined forces to support the fourth
annual Pancreatic Cancer Advocacy Day and the National
Call-In in June.
On June 21, more than 400 advocates gathered in
Washington, D.C. and were trained on up-to-the-minute
advocacy messaging,
Congressional
strategy, and
powerful ways of
strengthening
the
impact of advocacy
efforts in their own
c o m m u n i t ies. The
f o l l o w i n g day, the
supporters traveled
to Capitol Hill to share
their stories and
ask their Senators
and Representatives
to co-sponsor the
Pancreatic Cancer
Research & Education
Act (S. 3220/H.R.
Capitol Hill was awash in purple on June
745), a bill that
22, when more than 400 advocates carried
will ensure that the
bags with advocacy messaging.
National
Cancer
Institute (NCI) creates a strategic plan to make progress in
pancreatic cancer research.
Cancer Research & Education Act, it is even more important
that we continue our efforts,” said Megan Gordon Don,
Director of Government Affairs & Advocacy. “First, we need
you to ask your U.S. Representative to do everything that they
The Pancreatic Cancer Research & Education Act
(S. 3320/H.R.745)
U.S. Senators co-sponsoring*:
26% (26/100 Senators)
U.S. Representatives co-sponsoring*:
56.3% (245/435 Reps.)
*As of Sept. 30, 2010
can to bring H.R. 745 to a vote and to get it passed before
they return home this year. If the bill doesn’t pass before the
House adjourns, though, we’ll need to work together to get
all of our co-sponsors back on board, as well as many new
ones when they return in January 2011.”
“We’ll keep you posted on the latest developments at
www.pancan.org/TakeAction,” she added. “We’ll need your
help either way. This is truly an exciting time to be involved
in advocacy. When the bill passes, not only will it mean
critical pancreatic cancer research funding and essential
accountability at the NCI, but we will be able to celebrate
having made history together.”
During the National Call-In on June 22,
more than 2,000 calls were placed to
more than 340 Congressional offices,
echoing similar requests that were put
forth during the in-person meetings with
legislators in Washington, D.C.
The
combined efforts resulted in securing
the support of more than half of the U.S.
House of Representatives and one-fifth of
the U.S. Senate for the bill. The efforts
also enabled us to begin an impressive
push forward to call for Congress to bring
the bill to a vote.
“Now that we have secured significant
bi-partisan support for the Pancreatic
4
Pancreatic Cancer Advocacy Day participants who met with Rep. Bill Foster (D-IL), third from left,
included, from left, Medical Advisory Council Chair Mark Talamonti, MD, survivor Judy Sarvas, Claudia
Trapp, Brittney Talamonti, Jason Talamonti and Anne Talamonti.
October 2010 OUTREACH
Twin Cities Affiliate advocate and PurpleRide Minneapolis Co-founder Renita
Van Dusen gestures as she boards a bus bound for Capitol Hill.
Pancreatic Cancer Action Network Board Member Jai Pausch prepares her
son, Dylan, before he speaks as his brother, Logan, looks on at Advocacy
Day training.
Boston Advocacy Coordinator Yadhav Jayaraman and his family appeared
at several Congressional meetings during Advocacy Day.
From left, advocate Fred Brindisi, Pancreatic Cancer Action Network Board
Member and survivor Stuart Rickerson, and advocate Silvana Brindisi strategize for their meetings with their Members of Congress.
Boise Affiliate Coordinator and survivor John Bradley advocated with his
sons Ian and Rae at the event.
Senate Majority Leader Senator Harry Reid (D-NV), second from left, met
with advocates, from left, Lisa Hamburg, survivor Stuart Jed, Shannon
Wood, Pancreatic Cancer Action Network President and CEO Julie Fleshman and Ginnie Jed.
SAVE THE DATE
Pancreatic Cancer Advocacy Day 2011
June 13 and 14 • Washington, D.C.
Registration opens during Winter 2011.
To learn more, visit www.pancan.org/AdvocacyDay
October 2010 OUTREACH
5
BE A HERO THIS FALL
On September 14, the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network
launched its annual fall campaign designed to raise
awareness, increase advocacy and grow the community of
supporters committed to finding a cure for pancreatic cancer.
As with the 2009 campaign, an interactive, user-friendly site
was created that not only engages visitors, but gives them the
tools they need to become effective advocates for the cause.
The campaign precedes Pancreatic Cancer Awareness
Month in November.
This year’s theme is Be a Hero in the Fight Against
Pancreatic Cancer: Know It. Fight It. End It. The campaign
will focus on two areas: 1.) engaging supporters to explain
why they or their loved ones
are heroes in the fight and 2.)
activating the organization’s
base of supporters to take one
simple action every day between the launch of the Hero
campaign on September 14
and November 30 to heighten
awareness of the disease.
“We want to show people that not only can anyone
be a hero in the fight against
pancreatic cancer, but that together we are an even stronger
force that can make a real difference,” said Lisa Gilmour,
Director of Marketing and Communications. “On the homepage of our Hero website, we’ll
feature five personal videos, which started with the launch
of a touching message from Lisa Niemi Swayze on September 14, the first anniversary of the passing of her husband,
Patrick Swayze. We are thrilled that Lisa has agreed to support the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network to honor Patrick’s
memory and to help further our mission by bringing more attention to the disease.”
Other supporters can also help spread the word by visiting
the
organization’s
new
Hero
website
at
www.knowitfightitendit.org to find simple yet highly impactful actions anyone can take to help make a difference. “These
include sending a letter to your elected officials, wearing purple to work, mailing a letter to the editor of your local paper,
or forwarding the many compelling and personal hero stories
on our website to friends and family to help spread the word
about the need for more awareness,” Lisa Gilmour added.
An interactive, downloadable “action” calendar featuring
suggestions for daily activities
is also available on the site. The
calendar offers advocates, volunteers and supporters a wide
variety of ways to take action,
with a strong focus on advocacy
actions to reach out to elected
officials about the need to cosponsor the Pancreatic Cancer
Research & Education Act.
In addition to the calendar,
patient and supporter stories
will be featured throughout the
site, along with additional information and resources about
other ways to become an advocate for the cure.
Do your part today and encourage everyone you know to
visit www.knowitfightitendit.org.
LISA NIEMI SWAYZE TO SERVE AS ORGANIZATION SPOKESPERSON
Writer, director and best-selling author Lisa Niemi Swayze will serve as a spokesperson for the Pancreatic Cancer
Action Network to build awareness of the disease that took the life of her husband, Patrick Swayze, in 2009.
In addition to helping launch the organization’s annual fall campaign that precedes Pancreatic Cancer Awareness
Month in November, Lisa will be presented with the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network's Spirit of Hope Award at the
13th annual An Evening with the Stars gala on October 30. She will also appear in public service announcements
and serve as a guest speaker at various events for the organization.
“I joined forces with the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network in honor of Patrick, because I know it would mean a
lot to him if his illness made a difference in the lives of others,” Lisa said. “My involvement is the best way I know
of to make progress in fighting this terrible disease.”
Along with Patrick, Lisa co-wrote his memoir entitled "The Time of My Life," which provides a behind-the-scenes look at their success in
Hollywood and their remarkable love story. The book was a “New York Times" Best Seller, debuting at number four on the newspaper's list,
as well as an international best seller.
Lisa currently
divides her time between Los Angeles and her ranch in New Mexico.
6
October 2010 OUTREACH
PATIENT NAVIGATION OUTREACH PROGRAM LAUNCHED
The Patient and Liaison Services (PALS) program of the
Pancreatic Cancer Action Network is pleased to announce
the launch of an innovative outreach effort called the Patient
Navigation Outreach Program. The endeavor is intended
to improve certain patterns of pancreatic cancer diagnosis
and treatment and ensure that pancreatic cancer patients
and their caregivers are made aware of the resources and
information available through the PALS program.
Healthcare professionals not only play a critical role in
the diagnosis and care of pancreatic cancer patients but are
also uniquely positioned to refer them and their caregivers
to useful resources and support services. Therefore, the
program will focus on equipping the healthcare community
with the information, tools and resources they can use to
effectively meet the needs of pancreatic cancer patients and
their caregivers.
Pancreatic cancer is very difficult to diagnose, with no
established screening or early detection tools. Diagnosis is
often made in the late stages of the disease. The first goal
of the program is to encourage healthcare professionals to
appropriately consider pancreatic cancer when diagnosing a
patient with specific symptoms. “By encouraging physicians
to keep pancreatic cancer in mind and to consider the disease
as a possible diagnosis when examining their patients, we
hope to shorten the length of time between an initial doctor’s
visit and an eventual diagnosis of pancreatic cancer,” said
Anitra Talley, Director of the PALS program.
The second goal of the program is to encourage
physicians who are diagnosing pancreatic cancer patients
to refer them to a surgeon who treats a high volume of
pancreatic cancer patients, to an oncologist who focuses
on gastrointestinal or pancreatic cancer, or to an institution
conducting clinical trials for pancreatic cancer. This approach
will ensure that such patients are made aware of treatment
options available to them and are able to make informed
decisions about their care.
Lastly, the third goal of the Patient Navigation Outreach
Program is to continue to raise awareness about the PALS
program among healthcare professionals so more patients
facing the disease have access to its services.
Through a cost-free information line, the PALS
program provides personalized, up-to-date information
about the disease, clinical trials, treatment options, diet
and nutrition, side
effect and symptom
management
and
support resources.
The PALS program
educates pancreatic
cancer patients and
their caregivers about
many aspects of the
disease and connects them with needed resources so that
they are well-equipped and empowered to make informed
decisions about care and treatment.
“To deliver the messages aligned with the program
to a broad audience of healthcare professionals, PALS will
use a variety of tactics to heighten awareness,” Tally added.
“These outreach methods will include a far-reaching media
campaign, new educational materials, in-person outreach
at medical meetings and conferences, targeted mailings
and community-level outreach performed by volunteers in
communities nationwide.”
For more information about the Patient Navigation
Outreach Program or to contact a PALS Associate for
information about pancreatic cancer, call PALS toll-free
at 877-272-6226, Monday-Friday from 7am-5pm Pacific
Time or e-mail pals@pancan.org.
THE PALETTE FUND SUPPORTS INNOVATIVE NEW PROGRAM
The Palette Fund, a foundation that honors the legacy of
Rand Skolnick, who died from pancreatic cancer in 2008,
has graciously partnered with the Pancreatic Cancer Action
Network to fund the Patient Navigation Outreach Program.
“We are deeply grateful to The Palette Fund for funding this
important program,” said Anitra Talley, Director of the Patient
and Liaison Services (PALS) program. “Through their generosity, Rand’s vision is being realized, and his philanthropic legacy
is honored through collaborative grant-making and programs
that value human rights and education. This program definitely
furthers these goals, as it will positively impact the thousands
of people who must face this disease each year.”
October 2010 OUTREACH
The Palette Fund hopes to create a groundswell of consciousness and change to find new ways to bring Rand’s
philanthropic legacy and aid to as many people and causes
as possible, as well as to inspire people to join a grassroots
movement to help others in need. In the end, they hope that
one man’s death will better the lives of thousands of others.
“The pancreatic cancer community will undoubtedly
benefit in countless ways because of the generosity and
commitment of The Palette Fund and their vision to support
the Patient Navigation Outreach Program as a tribute to the
memory of Rand,” she added.
To find out more, visit www.thepalettefund.org.
7
PANCREATIC CANCER STUDY RESULTS PRESENTED AT
AMERICAN SOCIETY OF CLINICAL ONCOLOGY MEETING
At the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Annual
Meeting, held in Chicago from June 4 to 8, 2010, investigators
shared results of several clinical trials for the treatment of
pancreatic adenocarcinoma. Summaries of a selection of
these studies appear below.
the experimental group was demonstrated and the patients’
overall survival was comparable between the arms.
PHASE III RESULTS
PHASE II RESULTS
In a Phase III study conducted in France, metastatic
pancreatic cancer patients who were treated with a
chemotherapy regimen called FOLFIRINOX, consisting of
the drugs 5-FU, leucovorin, irinotecan and oxaliplatin, were
compared to patients treated with the current standard of
care, gemcitabine (Gemzar) alone. All 342 patients enrolled
in the study were otherwise healthy and had received no
previous treatment.
A Phase II study presented at the meeting compared
gemcitabine alone to two other combinations: a targeted
therapy drug called conatumumab plus gemcitabine,
and another targeted therapy drug called AMG 479 plus
gemcitabine. This study evaluated 125 otherwise healthy
patients with metastatic pancreatic cancer who had not
received prior treatment.
Encouragingly, patients treated with the FOLFIRINOX
regimen survived 11.1 months on average, compared to 6.8
months for those treated with gemcitabine. These results
suggest that FOLFIRINOX may be considered for those with
metastatic pancreatic cancer who are healthy enough to
withstand potential side effects. This study reflected the first
positive Phase III clinical trial for such patients since 2005.
Patients treated with FOLFIRINOX experienced worse,
yet manageable, side effects. These side effects included
low white-blood cell and platelet count, vomiting, fatigue,
diarrhea and numbness or pain in the hands and feet.
Another Phase III trial, conducted in Germany, enrolled 281
patients with locally advanced or metastatic pancreatic
cancer. The first group was treated with gemcitabine plus
erlotinib (Tarceva) followed by capecitabine (Xeloda), a
common treatment regimen. The second, and experimental,
group was treated with capecitabine plus erlotinib, followed
by gemcitabine. In both groups, the patients were initially
treated with the combination therapies and then received the
second-line drug if their cancer progressed.
Study investigators compared the length of time until the
second-line treatment was discontinued in each group.
They sought to determine if this length of time would be
non-inferior in the experimental group. The non-inferiority of
The study did not reveal a new treatment regimen but
showed that investigators may choose to consider building
on capecitabine when developing new first-line regimens.
Researchers wanted to learn if either of the new combinations
showed better overall survival than gemcitabine alone. No
significant differences in overall survival were seen, but
investigators did see a trend towards longer length of time
before the disease began to progress in both combination
arms.
While more information is needed to draw any
conclusions about these regimens, the combinations were
well tolerated and warrant further study.
Additionally, a Phase I/II study of Rexin-G, a targeted genetic
drug, was presented. This study looked at the safety and
efficacy of Rexin-G as a treatment for metastatic pancreatic
cancer that progressed after treatment with gemcitabine.
Fifteen patients were given one of three dose-levels of
Rexin-G for four weeks followed by additional treatment if
they did not experience significant side effects.
Overall, no significant toxicities were seen and there
appeared to be a correlation between overall survival and the
cumulative amount of Rexin-G administered. This evidence
suggests that Rexin-G may control tumor growth and prolong
survival, so further clinical studies are warranted.
For more information about these studies or treatment
options, or for a personalized clinical trial search, contact
Patient and Liaison Services (PALS) toll-free MondayFriday from 7am-5pm, Pacific Time, at 877-272-6226 or
e-mail pals@pancan.org.
UPCOMING 2011 PANCREATIC CANCER EDUCATIONAL EVENTS
Join us for information presented by leaders in the field and networking opportunities with other
patients, survivors, caregivers and family members.
Washington, D.C.
March 19/ Renaissance Washington, D.C.
Chicago
April 15/ Hyatt Regency Chicago
Seattle
May 20/ Sheraton Seattle Hotel
Go to
8 www.pancan.org for more information and to register.
Information about fall educational lectures held nationwide is available as well.
October 2010 OUTREACH
A STORY OF HOPE AND INSPIRATION
By Denny LaVercombe, Helena, Ala.
Denny and Jan LaVercombe with their grandchildren, from left,
Chris, Amber, Kailey, Trent and Grant
In April 2005, at the age of 65, I experienced the first indication that something was wrong with my health. At that time,
several people approached me at a youth baseball game and
mentioned, “You must be playing a lot of golf lately because
you’ve got a tan.” My wife said it was actually yellow, not tan.
An internist’s exam confirmed I did not have a suntan but
jaundice, and I was referred to a gastroenterologist for tests to
determine the cause. This doctor’s opinion was that my problem was caused by one of three things: gallstones, cancer in
the bile duct or pancreatic cancer. Soon, I was sent to a local
hospital for surgery.
Despite the surgeon’s positive outlook, I had only been in
surgery for an hour when the doctors found that a fist-sized
tumor on my pancreas was too large and too close to a major
blood vessel to be removed. So the surgeon inserted a temporary bypass around the tumor, closed me up and said it was
incurable and I had six months to a year to live. They suggested chemotherapy and radiation to extend my life.
During that period of both chemotherapy and radiation
treatments, friends and family convinced me to get a second
opinion from a doctor who specialized in pancreatic cancer.
So I made an appointment at a regional comprehensive cancer
center with a surgeon who specialized in pancreatic surgeries.
However, because of the location of the tumor and my age,
the prospect of surgery remained daunting. I remember the
second surgeon asking me how badly I wanted to live, since
the surgery is difficult and so is the recovery.
During this stressful time, my wife was my biggest supporter. She said we were going to fight this disease to the
last day. When one has that kind of emotional support, that is
half the battle. In January 2006, the tumor had shrunk to one
centimeter and I underwent a successful Whipple procedure.
The doctors said that I was cancer-free.
About six months later, in July of 2006, I was shocked to
learn that the cancer had returned to my liver. Under the care
of a new oncologist, I was prescribed a more aggressive regimen of chemotherapy and a targeted drug in pill form called
Tarceva. By January 2007, a CT scan determined the spots
on my liver had disappeared, so I stopped chemotherapy but
stayed on the daily Tarceva pill.
My cancer was no longer visible and my life pretty much
returned to normal. A few months later, however, I experienced yet another reoccurrence of cancer in the bile duct and
I went through another six months of chemotherapy, which I
successfully completed in September 2007.
My experience with pancreatic cancer is a continual journey. When one goes through something like this, it changes
one’s whole perspective on life. I knew the statistics, but I’m
proud to be a five-year survivor. I also credit my faith and my
family’s support for helping me to beat those statistics. This
year I will be celebrating my 71st birthday and my wife and
I will celebrate our 48th wedding anniversary. I want to tell
other pancreatic cancer patients never to give up and to live
life to the fullest every day.
PATIENT AND LIAISON SERVICES (PALS)
Looking for information about pancreatic cancer? PALS offers comprehensive, high-quality information and
resources for patients and caregivers facing pancreatic cancer, including information about the disease,
treatment options, clinical trials, side effect and symptom management, diet and nutrition, and support
resources. To learn more or to order a complimentary education packet, contact a PALS Associate.
El programa de PALS esta disponible en español.
Patient and Liaison Services (PALS)
Monday - Friday, 7am - 5pm Pacific Time
October 2010 OUTREACH
Toll-free: 877-272-6226 | E-mail: pals@pancan.org
9
VOLUNTEERING FOR LEADERSHIP
The Pancreatic Cancer Action Network is grateful for the
support of thousands of volunteers actively participating in
more than 70 affiliates around the country. Through such
volunteer support, more than $6 million (gross) was raised in
FY 2009-'10 through fundraising events that also generated
significant awareness.
To ensure our volunteers receive the best resources
and support possible, the Volunteer Advisory Council (VAC),
comprising 15 volunteers from affiliates around the country,
provides invaluable leadership and insight throughout
the year. “We rely on the perspective and guidance of
VAC members when making many decisions affecting our
volunteers,” said Mary Jo Kennedy, Director of Community
Outreach.
“This year, they were particularly instrumental in
shaping our Community Outreach Leadership Training, recrafting the volunteer newsletter and Toolbox, revising our
comprehensive event e-blast policy, and developing branding
for our PurpleStride ™ and TEAMHOPE® events,” she added.
“I was thrilled to be invited onto the Volunteer Advisory
Council,” Tammy Andries, a Madison volunteer and a
pancreatic cancer survivor, said. “I have a background in
media and marketing and hoped I could make it easier for
other affiliates to raise the awareness of this disease. What I
like is that we all have a voice in the Pancreatic Cancer Action
Network. We can talk with our volunteers and share their
suggestions or concerns and we know we are being heard."
In addition to Tammy, other VAC members include:
Ayme Zemke, Twin Cities Media Representative
Christina Tabarrini, Philadelphia Co-Affiliate Coordinator
Debbie Herrero and Nicole Trella, New Jersey Affiliate
Co-coordinators
Gael Sandoval, Detroit Affiliate Coordinator
Greg Petrosewicz, Austin Affiliate Coordinator
Gretchen Guerra, past Denver Affiliate Coordinator
Jay Stern, Oklahoma Affiliate Coordinator
John Cravero, Chicago Affiliate Coordinator
Ken Cunzeman, Baltimore Affiliate Coordinator
Michelle Monhart, Bay Area Affiliate Coordinator
Sandra Martin, Florida, Tampa Bay Affiliate Coordinator
Stephanie Pisarski, St. Louis Event Coordinator
Susan Okula, National Capital Area Affiliate Coordinator
CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR VOLUNTEER LEADERS
Thanks are due to the following volunteers who began new leadership roles from June 1 to August 31, 2010.
Betsy Anteau, Event Coordinator, Indianapolis
Terri Bertoli, Community Representative, Tucson
Katie Boucher, Education/Outreach Coordinator,
Providence
Elisa Bowling, Education/Outreach Coordinator, Atlanta
John Bradley, Affiliate Coordinator, Boise
Kathryn Brekle, Event Coordinator, Birmingham
Brenda Coleman, Affiliate Coordinator, Twin Cities (MN)
Heather Costello, Education/Outreach Coordinator,
Columbus
Lisa Carranza-Habib, Community Representative, Jackson
(WY)
Erin Corwin, Affiliate Coordinator, Cleveland
Amy Cunningham, Education/Outreach Coordinator,
Philadelphia
Whitney Davidson, Media Representative, Birmingham
Danielle Dietz, Event Coordinator, Los Angeles
Emily Hanson, Media Representative, Columbus
Paige Hawkins, Education and Outreach Coordinator,
Richmond (VA)
Ginnie Jed, Community Representative, Reno-Tahoe
Kira Johns, Education/Outreach Coordinator, Columbus
Teri Larson, Education/Outreach Coordinator, Twin Cities (MN)
10
Dennis LaVercombe, Advocacy Coordinator, Birmingham
Feme Liaz, Event Coordinator, Philadelphia
Michelle Lozano, Event Coordinator, Houston
Tara Maloney Wheeler, Affiliate Coordinator, Wilmingon (DE)
Suzy Marshall, Community Representative, Honolulu
Kimberly McFadden, Community Representative,
Anchorage
Justen Meyer, Event Coordinator, St. Louis
Daniel Morris, Media Representative, Boise
Diane Pursel, Event Coordinator, Omaha
Kara Rocha, Event Coordinator, Providence
Diane Schooley-Pettis, Education and Outreach
Coordinator, Boise
Eric Stark, Event Coordinator, Boise
Wendy Stoneberg, Advocacy Coordinator, Boise
Michael Timmermann, Media Representative, Los Angeles
Kim Trupiano, Media Representative, Providence
Lori Turner, Community Representative, Charlotte
Margot Vela, Event Coordinator, Houston
Elaine Wencil, Education and Outreach Coordinator,
Philadelphia
Gibbie Whelehan, Community Representative, Salt Lake City
Teresa Young, Event Coordinator, Cleveland
October 2010 OUTREACH
EVENTS SUMMARY
JUNE – SEPTEMBER 2010
CALIFORNIA
8th Annual Walk Through the Vineyards, St. Helena,
6/12/2010
3rd Annual Day With the Sacramento Rivercats, 6/20/2010
Awareness Day With the Angels, Anaheim, 7/17/2010
Timothy J. Marsh Fishing For A Cure, San Diego, 7/17/2010
3rd Annual Fundraiser for a Cure in Memory of Bridget
Fisher, Anaheim, 8/1/2010
Awareness Night With the Giants, San Francisco, 7/30/2010
Strikeout Pancreatic Cancer With the OC Flyers, Fullerton,
8/21/2010
Awareness Night With the Dodgers, Los Angeles, 9/3/2010
Awareness Night With the Los Angeles Galaxy, 9/11/2010
PurpleNight Out at Coyote Cantina, Redondo Beach,
9/27/2010
COLORADO
PurpleStride Pikes Peak 2010, Colorado Springs,
7/31/2010
PurpleStride Western Slope 2010, Montrose, 8/21/2010
PurpleStride Golden Gallop 2010, Golden, 9/11/2010
DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
PurpleStride Washington, D.C. 2010, 6/19/2010
FLORIDA
Awareness Night With the Manatees, Viera, 7/17/2010
Art for the Cure, Altamonte Springs, 8/28/2010
PurpleStride Jacksonville 2010, 9/18/2010
IDAHO
Awareness Night with the Boise Hawks, 8/14/2010
PurpleRide Spoke-d'Alene 2010, Spokane to Coeur
d'Alene, 8/28/2010
IOWA
PurpleStride Iowa 2010, West Des Moines, 9/25/2010
LOUISIANA
Corks N Canvas, Baton Rouge, 7/25/2010
Awareness Night With the Zephyrs, Metairie, 7/29/2010
MARYLAND
PurpleSwim Baltimore 2010 In Memory of Bud Beatty,
8/8/2010
PurpleStride Maryland 2010, Cockeysville, 10/10/2010
MASSACHUSETTS
Dough-Raisers Fundraiser at Uno Chicago Grill, Boston,
6/6/2010
Potluck Family Picnic, Pine Banks Park, 8/28/10
October 2010 OUTREACH
MICHIGAN
PurpleStride Detroit 2010, 9/12/2010
MINNESOTA
Awareness Night With the Twins, 7/17/2010
PurpleRide Twin Cities 2010, 9/19/2010
PurpleStride Rochester 2010, 9/26/2010
MISSOURI
Hospital Hill Run 2010, Kansas City, 6/5/2010
Purple Night Out 2: St. Louis, Rock Hill, 6/23/2010
Awareness Day With the Cardinals, St. Louis, 8/13/2010
NORTH CAROLINA
PurpleBowl Raleigh-Durham 2010, 8/14/2010
NEW JERSEY
Awareness Day With the Somerset Patriots, 7/18/2010
NEW YORK
Awareness Night With the New York Mets, 7/28/2010
PurpleStride Long Island 2010 in Memory of Jimi Lee,
9/26/2010
OHIO
PurpleStride Cleveland 2010, 6/12/2010
Garage Sale, Worthington, 7/17/2010
PurpleStride Central Ohio 2010, Clifton, 9/18/2010
PENNSYLVANIA
Awareness Night With the Pittsburgh Pirates, 6/18/2010
PurpleStride Pittsburgh 2010 "Pick Up The Pace",
8/15/2010
Awareness Night With NEPA Miners Football, 8/14/2010
TENNESSEE
PurpleStride Chattanooga 2010, 10/10/2010
TEXAS
Awareness Night With the Round Rock Express, 7/21/2010
PurpleStride Austin 2010, 9/25/2010
WASHINGTON
Awareness Day With the Seattle Mariners, 8/29/2010
WEST VIRGINIA
Purple Power Night 2010, Charleston, 7/9/2010
WISCONSIN
Night at Tazino's, Oak Creek, 6/9/2010
Awareness Night With the Mallards, Madison, 8/11/2010
PurpleStride Madison 2010, 9/19/2010
11
CORPORATE CHAMPIONS CONTINUE THE FIGHT
The second annual TempurPedic® Hugs Back campaign
launched this month with
the release of a new and
very cuddly cream-colored
teddy bear. The company
is again joining with their
retailers across the country to participate in the well-received
awareness and fundraising initiative.
“Thanks to Tempur-Pedic retailers who participated in the first
campaign last year, the 2009 Hugs Back campaign generated
essential financial support for our inaugural Pathway to
Leadership award, a five-year research grant that was given
to Zeshaan Rasheed, MD, PhD, a leading pancreatic cancer
researcher at Johns Hopkins University,” said Pamela Acosta
Marquardt, Founder and Director of Donor and Corporate
Relations. “By helping to fund this grant, Tempur-Pedic and
these retailers made an immediate and indelible impression
on research into the disease.”
“One of our organization's research priorities is to attract
brilliant scientists and help them develop successful careers
in pancreatic cancer research,” added Julie Fleshman,
President and CEO. “We are very thankful to Tempur-Pedic
and their generous retailers for helping us to further this goal.
The Hugs Back campaign continues to generate tremendous
excitement and hope throughout the pancreatic cancer
community.”
Tempur-Pedic is the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network’s first
national corporate sponsor to make a substantial, multi-year
commitment to the fight against the disease.
This year's Hugs Back campaign begins on October
15 and will run throughout the fall while supplies of the
teddy bears last. Volunteers and supporters nationwide are
encouraged to visit their local participating Tempur-Pedic
retailer and give them some “hugs back” to thank them for
their support of and commitment to our cause.
For more information about the 2010 Tempur-Pedic Hugs
Back campaign, visit www.tempurpedichugsback.com.
NHL HOCKEY FIGHTS CANCER
NAMED AS CHARITABLE LEAGUE
PARTNER
The National Hockey League (NHL)
and the NHL Players' Association
have named the Pancreatic Cancer
Action Network as a charitable league partner for their
Hockey Fights Cancer Awareness Month during October for
the upcoming 2010-'11 season. In addition, the NHL and
NHL Players' Association will partially fund a pancreatic
cancer research grant through a generous donation to the
organization.
“We’re thrilled to be working with the NHL to bring muchneeded national attention to this dreadful disease and are very
grateful to both the NHL and NHL Players' Association for
their support and generosity,” said Brian Doremus, Director
of Corporate Relations. “As part of Hockey Fights Cancer
Awareness Month, the NHL league office has also asked NHL
member teams to help Pancreatic Cancer Action Network
volunteer affiliates across the country raise awareness and
funds during October.”
Hockey Fights Cancer is a component of the NHL's "Biggest
Assist Happens Off the Ice" campaign, the league's longstanding tradition of addressing important social issues in
North America and worldwide.
Hockey Fights Cancer is a joint initiative by the NHL and
the NHL Players' Association to raise money and awareness
for hockey's most important fight. To date, more than
$11 million has been raised to support national and local
cancer research institutions, children's hospitals, player
charities and various cancer organizations.
To learn more, visit www.nhl.com and click on “Hockey
Fights Cancer”.
KEEP THE MEMORY ALIVE
A wonderful way to pay ongoing tribute to your loved one while raising
awareness and funding for the fight against pancreatic cancer.
12
www.firstgiving.com/keepthememoryalive
October 2010 OUTREACH
REMEMBERING RANDY: A LEGACY OF LOVE
more federal funding for research. Randy sat on the board of
directors as the organization’s first treasurer. After his death,
I became a board member to continue to provide hope and
direction to others.
Randy and Judy Stein
On January 22, 1997, my husband, Randy Stein, was diagnosed with stage-four, inoperable pancreatic cancer, with
metastases to the spleen and kidneys. At that time, the doctors told us he only had three months to live.
Healthcare professionals, friends, and family tried to help,
but they really didn’t have any experience in dealing with the
disease. The Internet only provided dire statistics and we did
not know of any survivors. Ultimately, we found great medical
care, and we dealt with each challenge as it presented itself.
In spite of that frightening news and the lack of information
available back then, Randy lived for more than eight years
following his diagnosis.
Those years were filled with travel and celebrations, and we
appreciated each day because we gained new insight into
the importance of living. During our journey, we met a woman
named Pamela Acosta Marquardt, who had just founded the
Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, and she asked us to get
involved. This opportunity enabled us to help create a sorely
needed resource for information on the disease and to help
support awareness for a cancer that had previously been
ignored.
We joined other patients, caregivers, and activists in this effort and found great satisfaction in giving back. We raised
money through the organization’s annual An Evening with the
Stars gala, and traveled to Washington, D.C. to advocate for
During the most trying time of our life together, the
Pancreatic Cancer Action Network offered us a lifeline for
support, and we were able to connect with hundreds of
others who were in our same situation. Over the years, the
organization grew, and became the national leader in the
fight against the disease.
After Randy’s death, I wanted to do something meaningful
to keep his memory alive. I really wanted to make a large
donation to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network because
it had been such a large part of our lives, but I knew Randy
would want me to take care of myself first financially. After
careful consideration, I came up with a plan to meet both of
these goals.
I began donating money to the Pancreatic Cancer Action
Network as my finances allowed and volunteering whenever I
could. Eventually, I decided to donate part of my estate to the
organization. When I was making these preparations, I found
there were many types of other planned giving vehicles, too.
I even found some that could provide income for me for the
rest of my life and support the organization at the same time.
Having the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network in my will enables me to always feel connected to the cause while still
being able to go on with my life like Randy would have wanted.
I know that this organization will always be a part of my life,
so I am glad to support it in any way I can. Hopefully, my
contributions will help the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network
to continue fulfilling its mission until a cure is found.
Find out how easy it is to create a legacy that will touch
many lives for years to come. To learn more, call Pamela
Acosta Marquardt at 877-272-6226 or e-mail her at
pmarquardt@pancan.org.
CREATE A LEGACY GIFT
A legacy gift ensures that your estate will benefit countless lives affected by pancreatic cancer.
A planned gift to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network is a wonderful way to help us fulfill our
important mission. To learn more about creating a bequest, or other planned giving options,13please
October 2010 OUTREACH
contact Pamela Acosta Marquardt at pmarquardt@pancan.org or at 877-272-6226.
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Join us to know it, fight it, end it and help
make awareness count all the time. Shop
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CALENDAR OF EVENTS
DATE
EVENT NAME
CITY, STATE
CONTACT
10/17/2010
6th Annual "Time for Hope" Benefit
Oak Forest, IL
Audrey Montalto at amontalto@pancanvolunteer.org
10/17/2010
PurpleStride St. Louis 2010
St. Louis, MO
Stephanie Pisarski at spisarski@pancanvolunteer.org
11/4/2010
4th Annual Night of Hope - Tampa Bay 2010
Tampa, FL
Carol Ferguson at cferguson@pancanvolunteer.org
11/6/2010
PurpleStride South Florida
Davie/Ft. Lauderdale, FL
Kimberly Spelman at kspelman@pancanvolunteer.org
11/6/2010
PurpleStride Savannah 2010
Tybee Island, GA
Shelly Foster at sfoster@pancanvolunteer.org
11/6/2010
PurpleStride Philadelphia 2010
Philadelphia, PA
Donna Deoria at ddeoria@pancanvolunteer.org
11/6/2010
PurpleStride San Antonio 2010
San Antonio, TX
Jenny Finkbiner at jfinkbiner@pancanvolunteer.org
11/6/2010
Jazzed for Hope 2010
Madison, WI
Julie Jacobs at jjacobs@pancanvolunteer.org
11/7/2010
PurpleStride Orlando 2010
Orlando, FL
Diane Germ at dgerm@pancanvolunteer.org
11/7/2010
PurpleStride Raleigh-Durham 2010
Raleigh, NC
Marisa Grant at mgrant@pancanvolunteer.org
11/7/2010
PurpleStride Danbury 2010
Danbury, CT
Kristen Angell at kangell@pancanvolunteer.org
11/7/2010
PurpleStride New Jersey 2010
Parsippany, NJ
Nicole Trella at ntrella@pancanvolunteer.org
11/7/2010
PurpleStride Portland 2010
Portland, OR
Ariane Chapple at achapple@pancanvolunteer.org
11/7/2010
PurpleStride Puget Sound 2010
Bellevue, WA
Chelsea Orvella at corvella@pancanvolunteer.org
11/13/2010
PurpleStride Atlanta 2010
Atlanta, GA
Nancy Freedman at nfreedman@pancanvolunteer.org
11/13/2010
PurpleStride Orange County 2010
Irvine, CA
Roberta Luna at rluna@pancanvolunteer.org
11/13/2010
PurpleStride San Diego 2010
Bonita, CA
Lily Villaverde at lvillaverde@pancanvolunteer.org
11/14/2010
PurpleStride DFW 2010
Dallas, TX
Mary Jo Jennings at mjennings@pancanvolunteer.org
12/5/2010
PurpleStride Lake Area 2010
Lake Charles, LA
Kristi Remy at kremy@pancanvolunteer.org
14
October 2010 OUTREACH
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