'An Evening With the Stars' Gala on Nov. 12 Benefits Pancreatic Cancer Research & Awareness

'An Evening With the Stars' Gala on Nov. 12 Benefits Pancreatic Cancer Research & Awareness

Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCAN) Rolls Out the Red Carpet for NBC's 'Today Show' Host Katie Couric and Honors ABC's 'Extreme Makeover: Home Edition,' Among Others

EL SEGUNDO, Calif., Sept. 27 /PRNewswire/ -- The Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCAN) will light up the night on Saturday, Nov. 12 at 5:30 p.m. with "An Evening With the Stars," the nonprofit group's eighth annual fundraiser which benefits pancreatic cancer research and raises awareness. The event will take place in Beverly Hills at the newly redecorated Beverly Hilton Hotel. The gala features a silent auction, premiere entertainment, dinner and the presentation of several notable awards. Katie Couric, co-host of NBC's "Today Show," will present the Emily Couric Public Service Award in honor of her sister, former Virginia State Senator for the 25th district, who died of pancreatic cancer. During the event, PanCAN will present a special honor to the producers of ABC's "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition" in recognition of its recent efforts on behalf of a Utah family affected by pancreatic cancer. PanCAN is the first, national patient-based advocacy organization for the pancreatic cancer community, including patients, families, medical researchers and physicians.

"An Evening With the Stars" attracts celebrities and other luminaries from Los Angeles and across the country who gather together to lend their support to PanCAN. The annual black-tie event is PanCAN's largest fundraiser and supports the more than 32,000 Americans who will be diagnosed this year with pancreatic cancer. More than 700 attended last year and raised more than $650,000.

The Emily Couric Public Service Award honors an individual or organization that in its public role exemplifies the dedication to others as seen in the life and work of former Virginia State Senator Emily Couric, who died on October 18, 2001 of pancreatic cancer. As a lasting tribute to Emily Couric's commitment, selfless dedication and great vision for a better, safer, and healthier world, the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network named the Emily Couric Public Service Award in her honor.

This year, PanCAN originated a special award for ABC's popular reality show, "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition," which built a new home for the five-member Harrison family in August. Friends of Gordon Harrison, who is battling pancreatic cancer, recommended the family to the show's producers in recognition of the family dad's dedication to volunteerism despite his medical challenges. The segment is scheduled to air Sunday, October 9.

PanCAN has also honored many well-known luminaries for their humanitarian efforts, including Jay Mohr, host of NBC's popular show "Last Comic Standing," Kelsey Grammer, four-time Emmy Award winner for his work playing Dr. Frasier Crane on NBC's "Frasier," and actor Robert Wuhl, creator, executive producer, and star of HBO's longest running original series "Arli$$."

To purchase tickets to "An Evening With the Stars," please visit www.pancan.org or call (310) 725-0025.

Pancreatic Cancer Facts for 2005

* In America, one in three women, and one in two men will be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime.

* Approximately 32,180 people will be diagnosed with pancreatic cancer this year in the United States and 31,800 people will die.

* Pancreatic cancer has the #1 fatality rate of all cancers.

* Pancreatic cancer is the #4 cancer killer in the United States among both men and women.

* The 99% mortality rate for pancreatic cancer is the highest of any cancer

* Pancreatic cancer does not discriminate by age, gender or race and only 4% of patients will survive beyond 5 years.

* The average life expectancy after diagnosis with metastatic disease is just 3-6 months.

* An estimated 52.7 million dollars was spent on pancreatic cancer research in 2004 of the National Cancer Institute's (NCI) cancer research budget. This is just a mere 1% of the NCI's 4.824 billion dollar cancer research budget for 2004.

* Despite the especially lethal nature of pancreatic cancer, the research spending per pancreatic cancer patient is only $1145, the lowest of any leading cancer.

* No effective early detection methods have been developed, there are minimal treatment options available and very little research is under way due to limited research funding.

About PanCAN

PanCAN is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 1999 by surviving family members of individuals who died of pancreatic cancer. Chartered as a grassroots organization of advocacy for pancreatic cancer patients and their families, PanCAN currently has volunteers and members throughout the United States and around the world. PanCAN is the first, national public-benefit advocacy organization for the pancreatic cancer community. The organization works to focus national attention on the need to find a cure for pancreatic cancer, and provides public and professional education embracing the urgent need for more research, effective treatments, prevention programs and early detection methods. Visit www.pancan.org to obtain more information, e-mail info@pancan.org, or call 1-877-272-6226.

Source: Pancreatic Cancer Action Network

CONTACT: Media, Jennifer Beaver, +1-562-983-8113, jbeaver@akprgroup.com, or Aaron Kiel, +1-562-983-8117, akiel@akprgroup.com, both PanCAN Public Relations Consultants; or Julie Fleshman, PanCAN President & CEO, jfleshman@pancan, or Al James, Marketing & Development Director, ajames@pancan.org, both of Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, +1-310-725-0025

Web site: http://www.pancan.org/

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