I was deeply saddened to hear about Sally Ride, the first American woman in space, who lost her 17-month battle with pancreatic cancer. She was an inspiration and a national icon.
Tragically, for those who have been touched by pancreatic cancer 17 months is an exception, as 74 percent of patients die within the first year of diagnosis.Pancreatic cancer is one of the few cancers for which the relative five-year survival rate of just 6 percent has not improved substantially in more than 40 years since the passage of the National Cancer Act. Last summer, my mom was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. Her brave fight lasted only 10 weeks. She died Nov. 3, 2011.We need Congress to pass the Pancreatic Cancer Research and Education Act (S. 362/H.R. 733), which would put a long-term comprehensive strategic research plan in place that would help develop effective treatment options giving those diagnosed with pancreatic cancer a fighting chance. The bill is pending in Congress and has strong bipartisan support.I hope those inspired by Sally Ride will honor her memory by joining the fight against pancreatic cancer.-- Sheila Hart, Fort WorthHave more to add? News tip? Tell us
