WHEREAS, An estimated 44,030 people will be diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in the United States and 37,660 will die from the disease, including approximately 140 Rhode Islanders; and
WHEREAS, 74% of pancreatic cancer patients die within the first year of their diagnosis and 94% of pancreatic cancer patients die within the first five years; and
WHEREAS, the Federal Government invests significantly less money in pancreatic cancer research than it does in any of the other leading cancer killers; and pancreatic cancer research constitutes only approximately 2% of the National Cancer Institute's federal research funding - a figure far too low given the severity of the disease, its mortality rate, and how little is known about how to combat it; and
WHEREAS, the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network is the first and only national patient advocacy organization that serves the pancreatic cancer community in Providence and nationwide by focusing its efforts on public policy, research funding, patient services, public awareness and education related to developing effective treatments and a cure for pancreatic cancer; and
WHEREAS, the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network and its affiliates in Providence support those patients currently battling pancreatic cancer, as well as the families of those who have lost their lives to the disease, and are committed to nothing less than a cure; and
WHEREAS, the good health and well-being of the residents of Providence are enhanced as a direct result of increased awareness about pancreatic cancer and research into early detection, causes, and effective treatments;
Now, Therefore, Do I,
Angel Taveras, Mayor of the City of Providence,
Hereby Proclaim November, 2011
Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month in the City of Providence.