Community Corner

Local Residents To Advocate in D.C.

While his son runs to raise funds, one pancreatic cancer patient goes to Washington D.C.

Local residents Fran and John Trueman will join the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, for the sixth annual Pancreatic Cancer Advocacy Day Tuesday, June 26, in Washington D.C.

The Network is a national organization creating hope in a comprehensive way through research, patient support, community outreach and advocacy for a cure. More than 600 passionate advocates from across the country will urge their Members of Congress to pass the Pancreatic Cancer Research & Education Act (S. 362/ H.R. 733), so thousands more won’t pass away from the disease.

John Trueman has been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer twice now, fought it once before and continues to fight the disease today. His son ran June 16 in Grandma's Marathon in Duluth and will run PurpleRide Twin Cities fundraiser Sept. 15.

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Pancreatic cancer is the only major cancer with a five-year relative survival rate in the single digits at just six percent.  This year, over 44,000 Americans will be diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and more than 37,000 will die from the disease.  About ten Minnesotans will be traveling to the capitol next week, including Fran and John Trueman. John has beaten the odds, surviving almost five years since his pancreatic cancer diagnosis. Both he and his wife want to see improvements in the survival rates. Research is key. 

“After five years and overwhelming bipartisan support it’s time to pass the Pancreatic Cancer Research & Education Act,” said Mary Jo Mahowald, Advocacy Coordinator for the Twin Cities affiliate. “Pancreatic cancer patients don’t have any more time to wait. In the five years since the Pancreatic Cancer Research & Education Act was first introduced, more than 181,000 Americans have died from the disease. I am going to Washington, DC to tell our elected officials that given the support for this bill, it is absolutely unacceptable that they haven’t passed it yet they must pass it this year.”

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Once enacted, the Pancreatic Cancer Research & Education Act will ensure that the National Cancer Institute develops a long-term, comprehensive strategic plan for developing early diagnostics and treatment options that will increase the survival rate for pancreatic cancer patients.

Helping Minnesotans diagnosed with pancreatic cancer have a long quality life is an important goal that must be achieved.  And supporters can help by participating in a National Call-In on June 26th and contacting Senator Al Franken, Senator Amy Klobuchar and their respective congressman. To learn how to contact these Members of Congress on June 26th visit www.knowitfightitendit.org. Tell your congressmen to pass the Pancreatic Cancer Research & Education Act.

(Information provided by Pancreatic Cancer Action Network – Twin Cities Affiliate press release.)


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