FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CITY OF PLYMOUTH Recognizes National Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month

Plymouth, MN, Nov. 7, 2012— Jeff Zammas, Plymouth resident and stage four pancreatic cancer patient, applauds Plymouth community leaders for proclaiming November as National Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month and drawing attention to the urgent need for research funding for early detection tools and effective treatment options for patents.  Zammas explains, “Two people In particular were instrumental in making this happen. Helen LaFave, City of Plymouth Communications Manager, helped us throughout the process and Mayor Slavik wasted no time in recognizing the importance of making this proclamation. With their continued support we will work towards increasing federal funding and local awareness for this terrible disease.”

"Each November, volunteers with the Twin Cities Affiliate of the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network raise their voices, share their personal stories and build awareness about pancreatic cancer. Through these efforts we hope to educate the community about the urgency surrounding this expanding movement to know, fight and end pancreatic cancer,” stated Brenda Coleman Coordinator.

The Twin Cities affiliate invites everyone to help create awareness on Friday, November 16th with  "Purple for a Purpose" Day.  Residents can turn themselves purple, their office purple, their school purple, and their family and friends purple.  All members of the community are also invited to participate in the following activities during National Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month:

• Alex and Ani “Today is an Opportunity.”  20 percent of all "Today is an Opportunity Bangle" sales  will go directly to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network. Visit www.alexandani.com.
• Tempur-Pedic® 2012 Hugs Back Campaign – During the month of November, Tempur-Pedic will contribute $10 up to a maximum or $150,000 to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network for every individual who tests a Tempur-Pedic mattress. To learn more or find a retailer, visit www.tempurpedichugsback.com
• Z Gallerie - will donate $1 for every “like” and “share” up to $1,000 on a specific Facebook post at facebook.com/zgallerie.

Pancreatic cancer is the fourth leading cause of cancer death in the United States. Despite improved survival rates for many other forms of cancer, pancreatic cancer remains the only major cancer that still has a five-year relative survival rate in the single digits at six percent.  The incidence and death rate for pancreatic cancer are increasing, and pancreatic cancer is anticipated to move from the fourth to the second leading cause of cancer death in the U.S. by 2020, and possibly as early 2015.

About the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network

The Pancreatic Cancer Action Network is the national organization creating hope in a comprehensive way through research, patient support, community outreach and advocacy for a cure.  The organization is leading the way to increase the survival rate for people diagnosed with this devastating disease through a bold initiative—The Vision of Progress: Double the Pancreatic Cancer Survival Rate by 2020.  To learn more visit www.pancan.org

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Contact:

Nancy Marian

Media Representative, Pancreatic Cancer Action Network – Twin Cities Affiliate

Direct: 952-686-4888               Email: nmarian@pancanvolunteer.org