Dana and her father last October (4 months before his death)at a pancreatic cancer fundraising event

November is National Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month and I am proud to say that I am raising awareness about the fourth leading cause of cancer death in the United States. It has been 40 years since the enactment of the 1971 National Cancer Act and over the past decade there has been significant improvement in overall cancer survival rates. Sadly, pancreatic cancer survival rates are not reflected in this. In fact this insidious disease has seen an increase of cases and death since 1998 and remains the only cancer that still has a five year survival rate in the single digits at six percent. Yet despite these statistics, pancreatic cancer receives a mere two percent of the National Cancer Institute’s annual research budget.

There are heroes in our community, along with myself that are volunteering to make a difference in the outcome diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. We are fighting alongside the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, the national organization creating hope in a comprehensive way through research, patient support, community outreach and advocacy for a cure with a goal to double the pancreatic cancer survival rate by 2020.

Seven months ago I lost my father to pancreatic cancer just nine months after diagnosis. I understand firsthand the urgent need to create hope for others and their loved ones. I am the NW Arkansas Community Representative for the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network and will be hosting one of 45 national PurpleLight Vigil for Hope events across the country to honor those who have fought pancreatic cancer. Please go to www.purplelight.org to learn more and to register for the event.

Now is the time to be a hero in the fight against pancreatic cancer and volunteer for progress. Please visit www.knowitfightitendit.org to find out how you can be involved.

Together we CAN make a difference.

Sincerely,

Dana Quinn

Bentonville, AR