November was National Awareness Month
The 5-year survival rates for pancreatic cancer have not improved in over 4 decades and too many people are diagnosed too late to be eligible for surgery. We NEED to make more people aware of this devastating disease. Your efforts CAN make a real difference in the fight against pancreatic cancer.
November Highlights and Announcements
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Corporate Champions Like Tempur-Pedic Help Us Support Research
During the holiday season, everyone can help fight pancreatic cancer by purchasing a cuddly teddy bear from Tempur-pedic. Twenty dollars ($20) from the sale of each bear goes directly to Pancreatic Cancer Canada.
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Purple Lights Campaign Launched
Help us shed light on pancreatic cancer by hanging a string of purple lights in your yardscape this coming holiday season … you can purchase a string of purple lights from our store.
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Deadliest Cancer gets least attention: Poll
Alarming Results from a November 3rd Ipsos Reid Poll cited Canadian awareness of pancreatic cancer as being exceptionally low compared to other cancers despite it being the most deadly form. Fewer than 4 in 10 Canadians are knowledgeable about pancreatic cancer and 6% know a pancreatic cancer survivor. Libby Znaimer discusses these results on Goldhawk Fights Back.
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New HOPE for patients waiting for drug approval in Ontario
Cancer Care Ontario (CCO) has approved 2 new drug funding programs - Case-by-Case Review Program helps patients with urgent and rare clinical circumstances and The Evidence Building Program which strengthens decision making. Listen to Libby Znaimer's discussion on AM 740's Goldhawk Fights Back.
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Folfirinox approved for treating first line metastatic pancreatic cancer in Ontario
On November 7th, Cancer Care Ontario (CCO) announced that Folfirinox has been approved for use in 1st line treatment of metastatic pancreatic cancer. Ontario now joins British Columbia and on a case-by-case basis, Alberta, Manitoba and Quebec. Listen to AM 740 David Bale's interview with Libby Znaimer, Princess Margaret Hospital's Drs. Moore and Gallinger and Betty Aldridge.
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Shop Purple this holiday season
Looking for a stocking stuffer or two? Check out our store - we have cotton t-shirts, wicking shirts, hats, pens, purple skate laces (adult and child) and more? If you have any suggestions as to what we can bring in, please let us know!
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Awareness Month Events
In November, Canadians helped to raise awareness in many different ways... they wore purple ribbons, they shared their stories, they hung a string of purple lights in their yard and they took part in Awareness Events held across Canada. Here are just a few of the many highlights:
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Kathy’s Run was created to honour an incredible woman who was loved and respected by so many friends and co-workers. This walk/run raised close to $50,000 and was the 1st dedicated race for pancreatic cancer in Edmonton - Listen to race organizer Jessica Laird and Kathy's husband, Jim on CBC. |
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Quest for Awareness in Toronto raised close to $5,000 and Pancreatic Cancer Canada presented Dr. Steven Gallinger (L) and Dr. Malcolm Moore (R) of Princess Margaret Hospital with a cheque for $200,000 - pictured with Libby Znaimer - AM 740 David Bale's covers the event. |
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The 2nd Annual Purple Party was held in Winnipeg and raised just over $20,000. This event was started by two young ladies who wanted to raise awareness and funds to support research and to honour their father who had recently lost his battle to pancreatic cancer at the age of 50. |
Please send in your pictures from events that you host or attend and we will post them on our website.
On behalf of Pancreatic Cancer Canada, we wish you and your family a Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays and a Safe and Healthy New Year. Thank you for your continued support.
Warmest Regards,
Bettty Aldridge and Laurie Ellies Pancreatic Cancer Canada
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