CANCER: Progress made vs. pancreatic

President Barack Obama made history in the fight against pancreatic cancer by signing into law the Recalcitrant Cancer Research Act, formerly known as the Pancreatic Cancer Research and Education Act. Thanks to the hard work and persistence by pancreatic cancer advocates and our congressional champions, this legislation will finally bring hope to those affected by the disease.

This legislation means we are one step closer to creating a national strategy for combating pancreatic cancer, developing early detection tools and effective treatments and improving the lives of those affected by this devastating disease. Pancreatic cancer is anticipated to move from the fourth leading cause of cancer death to the second leading cause of cancer death by 2020, possibly as early as 2015. President Obama and Congress’ support of this bill means we can create a national plan to begin to reverse this trend.

I applaud President Obama for signing this critical legislation into law. Additionally, Senator Crapo, Senator Risch and Representative Labrador from Idaho all played a critical role in helping the landmark legislation reach the finish line. On behalf of all those affected by pancreatic cancer, President Obama and our local senators and representative have my sincere gratitude.

A special Meet and Greet will be hosted by the Inland Northwest Affiliate with the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, on January 12 at 2 p.m. at the Spokane Public Library, Downtown branch, room 1B. Looking to volunteer in the new year? Make a difference and join in! Contact me to reserve your spot.

KATHY HLEBICHUK

khlebichuk@pancanvolunteer.org

Post Falls