The Pancreatic Cancer Action Network Announces Its Newest Volunteer Affiliate In Oklahoma City

Sept. 17, 2009 - PRLog -- Oklahoma City, OK  - The Pancreatic Cancer Action Network is thrilled to announce a volunteer affiliate has been started in Oklahoma City. The goal of the Oklahoma City affiliate is to increase awareness, raise funds to support the programs of the organization and move people to take action against pancreatic cancer, the fourth leading cause of cancer death in the United States. This new affiliate is made up of individuals from Broken Arrow, Blanchard, Edmond, Tulsa, and Oklahoma City and is looking to recruit more people to join them in the fight against pancreatic cancer.

"The Pancreatic Cancer Action Network is excited to have a committed and passionate group of volunteers in Oklahoma City," stated Julie Fleshman, President and CEO.  "With the continued support and effort of our volunteers, we will work towards increasing local awareness and funding for pancreatic cancer research and give hope to over 42,000 Americans who will be diagnosed this year with this terrible disease."

Made up entirely of local volunteers, the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network - Oklahoma City affiliate will host community events, attend health fairs, distribute disease and related information to hospitals and doctors to offer their pancreatic cancer patients, and alert their elected officials about the urgent need for scientific progress that could lead to more effective treatment options for patients.

"The Oklahoma City affiliate is eager to make an impact locally in the fight against pancreatic cancer," stated Jay Stern, Affiliate Coordinator. "We welcome more Oklahomans to join us as we work to raise awareness of this disease in the State of Oklahoma."

The Oklahoma City Affiliate will participate in the "Garden Walk for Pancreatic Cancer Hope and Awareness" on Saturday, November 7, 2009 at the OU Biomedical Research Center and the Gardens of OU Health Science Center.  Anyone affected by this disease is encouraged to join the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network at the event.

Pancreatic cancer is the most deadly cancer among leading cancer killers with a five-year survival rate of just 5%. And, 76% of patients die within the first year of diagnosis.  In 2009, over 42,000 people will be diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and over 35,000 will die from the disease. Despite the staggering statistics, pancreatic cancer is the most under recognized and least studied among leading cancer killers, with less than 2% of the National Cancer Institutes budget dedicated to pancreatic cancer research.
To learn more about the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network or to join the Oklahoma City affiliate visit www.pancan.org.

About the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network

The Pancreatic Cancer Action Network is the only national organization creating hope in a comprehensive way through research, patient support, community outreach and advocacy for a cure. The organization raises money for direct private funding of research-and advocates for more aggressive federal research funding of medical breakthroughs in prevention, diagnosis and treatment of pancreatic cancer.
The Pancreatic Cancer Action Network fills the void of information and options by giving patients and caregivers reliable, personalized information they need to make informed decisions. We create a sense of hope and community so no one has to face pancreatic cancer alone. The organization helps support individuals and communities all across the country to work together to raise awareness and funds to find a cure for pancreatic cancer.


Contact:
Bill King
Media Representative
Oklahoma City Affiliate
Email: bking@pancanvolunteer.org