This past month, Wayzata resident Brenda Coleman, the Twin Cities affiliate coordinator of the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network and an eleven year survivor, learned she has a pancreatic cancer recurrence in her lung and begins chemo treatments today. As you may know, the five year survival rate for pancreatic cancer is just six percent, the lowest among all major cancer killers. and, according to a recently released report, the incidence and death rates for pancreatic cancer are increasing, and is anticipated to move from the fourth to second leading cancer killer in the U.S. by 2020, and possibly as early as 2015.
But on the heels of Brenda's devastating news comes HOPE! The Recalcitrant Cancer Research Act, formerly known as the Pancreatic Cancer Research & Education Act, has passed in the Senate last week as part of the National Defense Authorization Act and will now be sent to President Obama to sign into law. The Senate passage of the legislation comes after the House unanimously passed the Recalcitrant Cancer Research Act on September 19. The legislation requires the National Cancer Institute (NCI) to evaluate its current efforts in studying pancreatic cancer, and other recalcitrant cancers, and focus on ways to improve outcomes.
The passage of this bill is a milestone in the history of pancreatic cancer. This moment would not have been possible if it wasn’t for the incredible commitment and hard work of our volunteer network. Our tireless advocates wrote letters, made phone calls and even traveled to Capitol Hill to advocate for this landmark legislation. I and my two sons, Jacob and Evan, of Burnsville, were part of a group of Minnesotans who attended Pancreatic Cancer Advocacy Day where we joined the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (www.pancan.org) and more than 600 concerned citizens from across the country on Capitol Hill this past June to meet members of Congress, urging them to pass the bill by the end of the year. Our tireless efforts are truly what helped make the historic passage of this bill a reality. You will find additional information on the organization’s Press Release here at this link about Recalcitrant Cancer Research Act.
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The Twin Cities affiliate is also rallying around Brenda by forming TEAM BRENDA as part of TEAMHOPE, a fundraising arm of Pancreatic Cancer Action Network consisting of volunteers who will be running at Grandma's Marathon events in June. Registration is open and runners can choose between a 5K, Half Marathon, or Full Marathon. They also may form their own teams in honor of loved ones affected by this dreaded cancer. We hope to raise awareness, financial support and hope for Brenda and others who are battling pancreatic cancer.
May 2013 be filled with hope for all!
