Friends,

In June of this year, both of my parents were diagnosed with Pancreatic Cancer and are literally fighting for their lives.  In honor of thier fight, and for the thousands of other families enduring the same battle, my Sister, Mary Katherine Wison, and I have established this fundraising campaign in an effort to increase awareness and understanding of this disease and to provide a springboard of funding for Pancreatic Cancer resarch.

Pancreatic Cancer is the deadliest form of all cancers.  Approxiamtely 40,000 people will be diagnosed with the disease this year.  More then 75% will die within the first 12 months of diagnosis.  The average survival time once diagnosed is 3 to 6 months.  Less then 5% will live longer then 5 years.  It is the 4th largest killer of all types of cancers.  Astonishingly, the Government invests less in Pancreatic Cancer research then any of the other major forms of cancer.  In the past 30 years, there have been no significant devlopments in research or treatment. 

The good news is that developing public awareness and increasing funds for research has been a very successful formula!  Forms of cancer that just a few years ago were nearly considered a death sentence, are now very treatable through prevention, early detection and medical advances.   

We must formulate the same plan for Pancreatic Cancer.  It needs our attention, our understanding, our ability to increase awareness and requires a significant increase in the level of funding for research and development of medical treatments.

The Pancreatic Cancer Action Network is a tremendous organization that my family is actively involved with.  Please visit their website to learn more about this terrible disease and the extraordinary efforts they are taking to make progress in finding a cure.  Their web address is www.pancan.org.     

Thank you for visiting our Fundraising Page.  Don't forget that all donations are tax decuctible.  Donating through this site is simple, fast and totally secure.  However, if you would prefer to send a check directly, you may do so at the following address:

Pancreatic Cancer Action Network

Attention:  Families Fighting Pancreatic Cancer (This is important)

2141 Rosecrans Avenue, Suite 7000

El Segundo, CA  90245

310-725-0025

Thank you for your consideration.  We sincerely appreciate your willingness to learn a little more about this dreadful disease and how you can make a difference in saving lives.

Mary Katherine Wilson & Marc Lawhorne