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online press kit
Meet Julie Fleshman, President and CEO
Pancreatic Cancer Facts
Federal Funding vs. Mortality of Leading Cancer Killers
Public Figures Affected by Pancreatic Cancer
Organization Overview Brochure
About the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network
At the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, we understand the many challenges facing those affected by pancreatic cancer. The organization was founded by three visionaries in 1999 as a small, non-profit, 501(c)(3) patient-based advocacy organization. Now with headquarters in El Segundo, California, and a Government Affairs & Advocacy office in Washington, DC, the organization fulfills its mission through a nationwide network of people dedicated to working together to advance research, support patients and create hope for those affected by pancreatic cancer. Under the direction of President and CEO Julie Fleshman, JD, MBA, the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network comprises a national Board of Directors, a Scientific Advisory Board, a Medical Advisory Council and a staff dedicated to fighting the disease.
The organization offers a comprehensive range of programs and services, creating hope and support for the pancreatic cancer community through research, patient support, community outreach and advocacy for a cure. These programs are outlined below.
Research
We fund a robust research program using a peer-reviewed system administered through the American Association for Cancer Research. Our goal is to fund innovative research, grow the number of researchers directly working on this disease, foster collaboration across disciplines and institutions, and act as a facilitator in the research community to expedite scientific progress that benefits patients.
Since 2003, we have funded nearly $5 million in research grants to 50 scientists around the country through Career Development Awards and Pilot Grants. Our Career Development Awards have helped to build a team of scientists dedicated to pancreatic cancer, and our Pilot Grants are helping to develop new and innovative ideas in research.
Government Affairs & Advocacy
Since our advocacy efforts began in 1999, the federal research allocation for pancreatic cancer from the National Cancer Institute has risen nearly fivefold, from $17.3 million to $89.4 million in 2009. Although government spending on pancreatic cancer research has grown, it still lags far behind other major cancers. Currently, only 2 percent of the NCI’s annual cancer budget is spent on pancreatic cancer.
With an office in Washington DC, we actively take our fight to Congress by continually working with elected officials about the need for increased spending for pancreatic cancer research. We train volunteer advocates around the country to respond to action alerts and contact their members of Congress about the urgent need to increase research efforts for this disease. We held our first Advocacy Day in Washington DC in 2007 with 150 attendees and expect nearly 500 attendees at the 2010 event.
These ongoing, strategic advocacy efforts have resulted in the first substantive piece of legislation introduced in Congress regarding pancreatic cancer called the Pancreatic Cancer Research & Education Act. The goal of this legislation is to establish a dedicate program to pancreatic cancer at the National Cancer Institute.
Patient Services
Our organization provides a unique and highly lauded approach to patient support through an innovative program called Patient and Liaison Services (PALS), which provides the latest research and treatment options to patients and their families. When you call us we connect you with a dedicated, highly trained staff member who will provide comprehensive information and resources about the disease, treatment options, clinical trials, diet and nutrition, etc., throughout the course of treatment – free of charge. Reliable educational and resource materials from our extensive library are also available at no charge. As of 2009, more than 35,000 individuals have received current and reliable information through PALS.
Community Outreach
We support an army of volunteers across the country who make up a nationwide network of dedicated individuals who work to increase awareness and move people to take action against pancreatic cancer. Our volunteer affiliates host local events, attend health fairs, distribute patient information to hospitals and doctors’ offices, contact the media, and alert their elected officials about the urgent need for scientific progress in the area of pancreatic cancer research.
Learn more about the programs and services of the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network:
Media Contact:
Jennifer Reeves
310-725-0025
jreeves@pancan.org |
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