Pancreatic cancer
4th leading cause of cancer death
37,170 people will be diagnosed with it in the US this year
33,370 will die from it
5 year survival rate = 5%
Average life expectancy after diagnosis: 3-6 months
Men are 20% more likely to develop this cancer than women
African-American women are 40-50% more likely to develop this than Caucasian women
It is the most deadly of cancers
The National Cancer Institute in 2006 had a $4.8 BILLION research budget. WHY WAS ONLY 1% OF THAT SPENT ON PANCREATIC CANCER RESEARCH?
I once met a young boy when he was about 11 or 12. He is the youngest child in a very large family. Now, in his mid-40’s, he was diagnosed with this hideous disease last Fall. He has had amazing support from his family as he’s fought this battle. He does not complain even though pain management is a challenge. Although he continues his fight, he accepts that this disease is going to take his physical body.
Like others in the same situation, I wonder why him? He is truly a good person. My heart goes out to him, and to his family. I haven’t seen him or his family for years. Divorce often does that. But, I hope that they know that he and his family are in my prayers. I wish them strength and love, but above all, a miracle. It’s just too soon for him.
Please visit www.pancan.org
And, should you be so inclined, please offer a prayer for those who’ve been diagnosed with this insidious disease.
To Randy Pausch: You are making a difference! http://download.srv.cs.cmu.edu/~pausch/news/index.html
