Ashworth College to Walk to Help Fight Pancreatic Cancer

Oct. 17, 2012 - PRLog -- PEACHTREE CORNERS, Georgia – In recognition of National Pancreatic Cancer Month, Ashworth College will be participating in PurpleStride Atlanta, an annual event sponsored by the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network. The online school will be walking in memory of its former Chief Executive Officer, Gary Keisling, who lost his fight with the disease earlier this year.

A leading online school headquartered in Peachtree Corners, GA, Ashworth College (http://www.ashworthcollege.edu) is sponsoring a team for the 2012 PurpleStride 5K run/walk which will kick off at Centennial Olympic Park on Saturday, November 3. Prior to the event, the school will also host a bake sale to help raise funds for pancreatic cancer research.

Rob Klapper, Ashworth College President commented, “For more than 25 years, Gary was regarded as a leader in higher education and an influential advocate for the benefits of distance education. Ashworth takes great pride in its efforts to give back to the community and this cause has special significance for the school’s faculty and staff.”

Less common than other cancers, the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network states that rates are rising about 1% yearly and the survival rate remains at about 6%. Awareness in pancreatic cancer has grown in recent months, largely due to former Apple CEO Steve Jobs who battled the disease for eight years.

Members of the community are invited to sponsor team Ashworthy Causes. Donations can be made online at http://www.kintera.org/faf/search/searchTeam.asp?ievent=1....

Throughout the year, Ashworth makes a concentrated effort to support a number of worthwhile causes, including Habitat for Humanity, Atlanta Community Food Bank, Mothers Against Drunk Driving, Ronald McDonald House Charities, The Salvation Army, and March of Dimes.

The Pancreatic Cancer Action Network

The Pancreatic Cancer Action Network is a nationwide organization formed to advance research, support patients and create hope for those affected by pancreatic cancer. Founded in 1999, the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network has grown into the only national organization fighting pancreatic cancer in a comprehensive way.

In addition to its fundraising initiatives, The Pancreatic Cancer Action Network also provides patients and caregivers with reliable information to make informed decisions with their healthcare teams; and helps individuals and communities work together to raise awareness and funds to find a cure for pancreatic cancer.

About Ashworth College

Celebrating 25 years of Educating Minds and Changing Lives, leading online school Ashworth College has built a tradition of excellence by offering students worldwide an extensive range of online college degrees, online certificate programs, career training and online high school diploma options that are affordable and fit the busy schedules of working adults. Ashworth offers military education as well as specialized programs for corporate partners and homeschoolers.

Headquartered in Peachtree Corners, GA, Ashworth is accredited by the Distance Education and Training Council (DETC). The Accrediting Commission of the DETC is listed by the U.S. Department of Education as a nationally recognized accrediting agency. Ashworth is parent to James Madison High School which is accredited regionally by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Council on Accreditation and School Improvement (SACS CASI), an accreditation division of AdvancED and further provides career training and vocational programs in the fields of health, business, technology, education, and skilled trades through sister schools PCDI Canada, New York Institute of Photography and Sheffield School.