Pancreatic Cancer

~~This is an article I wrote about Pancreatic Cancer for National Pancreatic Cancer Awareness month (November), but it seems particularly relevant today, it was five years ago today (January 8th) that my mom, Teresa Whatcott, lost her battle with this awful disease.~~

"Pancreatic Cancer. Know it. Fight it. End it." This is the current campaign being used by the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, or pancan.com, to raise awareness about pancreatic cancer.

Though pancreatic cancer is the fourth leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States, less than 2% of the National Cancer Institute's yearly budget is spent on the researching of this disease.

Of the many people each year diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, 76% will die within one year and 95% will die within 5 years, making it the cancer with the highest mortality rate.

Currently there are no early detection methods available. Early detection is hindered because of the location of the pancreas and the lack of definite symptoms.

A few problems researchers face is: the speed at which the cancer kills the patients, they are frequently too sick and fragile to undergo any research, and the difficulty in accessing tissue samples.

This is where an increase in funding is critical. Heather Arnett, the affiliate coordinator of the Phoenix affiliate for the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, said "There is a direct correlation between the funds spent on cancer research and the survival rate."

Arnett is passionate about working towards a cure for this awful disease, not only because of the devastation it causes across the country, but the damage it has done in her own family, to her mother, Teresa Whatcott. A super mom who would seemingly live forever, died at the young age of 51.

Funding for research is incredibly important, and whether it's through a financial contribution, or taking a few minutes and contacting your local representative to urge them to sign on a bill currently in the house, regarding funding for pancreatic cancer, there is always a way to participate. It doesn't take much of your time to ask your representative to co-sponser the Pancreatic Cancer Research and Education Act, or house bill H.R. 745.

Sadly, the consequences for the lack of funding are deadly. On the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network they encourage the signing of this bill, and state, "This bill would allow us to make true progress on pancreatic cancer by better targeting research.”

The Pancreatic Cancer Action Network also states, "The Pancreatic Cancer Research and Education Act is not a disease-specific bill, but is an outcome-specific bill and a vehicle for ensuring that we are investing our scarce research dollars in the areas where the most progress is needed."

Here is a quick and easy way to get in contact with your local representative, just go to this link: http://www.pancan.org/section_get_involved/advocate/advocacy_action_center.php# and enter your zip code. Be sure to tell them how important co-sponsering this bill is.

Pancreatic cancer is not particular, it doesn't care if you are rich or poor, old or young, male or female, it will most likely kill within a year. "Pancreatic Cancer. Know it. Fight it. End it." Please help fight to end this ugly disease.

From Utah to Uganda with Love

Benefit concert raises money for medical supplies

How do you create a future? For many, it is something that will take some work; however, in Utah Valley there are many resources to help along the way. One can go to college or work one’s way up in a rewarding career.

Most college students don’t have to seriously consider HIV, AIDS and many other diseases that could possibly stand in the way of the future. Many children in Uganda and all throughout Africa, however, cannot dream about their futures. They can only think of barely surviving one day at a time.

Over 13 million of those living in Africa have died from AIDS. That number is only expected rise, creating a dim view of the future for many children in Africa.

Yet there is a glimmer of hope shining down on the orphans of Uganda. It’s coming from someone who knows where they’re coming from, because he’s been there. His name is David Ssejinja, and he is the founder of The Ssejinja Children’s Foundation. The group brings much needed relief to the children in Uganda.

Ssejinja’s Foundation works to educate children and families in hopes that they will ultimately be able to extend their lives and help prevent the spread of AIDS.

Not only do the children have to worry about HIV/AIDS and malaria, but they are also very poor and lack medical care. Many children go without food, immunizations and a mat to sleep on, let alone a book to read.

Ssejinja has brought many of the services his foundation offers to the children in his hometown of Bira, Uganda. They have brought education and medicine to a place where it is greatly needed. Ssejinja survived a poverty-stricken childhood, and through hard work and education is now able to devote his life to creating opportunities for children much like himself. He gives them hope and a chance.

There are many ways to contribute to the Ssejinja Children’s Foundation. Sponsoring a child, donating funds to help back the foundations endeavors and participating in or attending events are all ways to help.

For students especially, attending an event is something that will take little time and money. The Sunrise over Africa benefit concert is at 6 p.m. on Nov. 23 in the UVU Ballroom. Tickets are only $10 for students and $12 for faculty and community members.

All of the proceeds from this benefit will go to the Foundation to acquire medical supplies for the Ssenjinja Children’s Clinic in Uganda.

Most students have a host of opportunities to improve their lives and better their situations. For the children in Africa, those opportunities are limited. But the Ssenjinja Children’s Foundation and other similar organizations give the children of Africa a fighting chance.