Pancreatic Cancer Action Network - Puget Sound Affiliate

The Pancreatic Cancer Action Network is a nationwide network of people dedicated to working together to advance research, support patients and create hope for those affected by pancreatic cancer. From our beginning as a three-person nonprofit to our role today as the national leader supporting the pancreatic cancer community, the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network has made significant progress in fighting this deadly disease. Through our research grants and our advocacy efforts to increase federal funding for pancreatic cancer research, we attract investigators with innovative ideas and brilliant early career scientists to study pancreatic cancer.  More than 80,000 patients and their family members have received current and reliable information through our Patient & Liaison Services (PALS). Our comprehensive clinical trials database ensures that patients have access to the latest treatment options and leading-edge research. Hundreds and hundreds of supporters who are a part of over 60 volunteer affiliates across the nation now raise awareness and funding for pancreatic cancer through our Community Outreach Program. Our volunteer network, which began with just a few individuals, is instrumental in building awareness around the country and encouraging people to take action against pancreatic cancer. Although much work remains, incredible strides have been made in laying the basic scientific foundation upon which significant progress can be built. Public relations efforts are also moving forward as national visibility of pancreatic cancer continues to increase. As this momentum builds, and new research developments emerge, those affected by pancreatic cancer have more reasons than ever before to feel optimistic.

In 2010, after seeing too little progress in pancreatic cancer survival in over half a century, the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network put a stake in the ground with a bold and aggressive goal to double pancreatic cancer survival by 2020. Made up of researchers, medical professionals, patients, caregivers and volunteers the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network is the leader in associations designed to support patients, caregivers and their care teams and fund researchers to stop the spread of this disease. We do this by hosting Purple Stride, a 5K walk at Magnuson Park that draws thousands of people and generates thousands of dollars for research, we also attend health fairs and educational events, give out resources to medical centers and patients, put on functions for patients and their families, and hold a vigil for those lost to this disease.