For Immediate Release  
Contact: Dave Rose
Public Information Officer
Phone: 520-6540 Cell 337-9239    
DaveRose@elpasoco.com

El Paso County Board of County Commissioners Champions Early Detection and Ultimate Cure for Pancreatic Cancer

Colorado Springs, November 2, 2009 – The El Paso County Board of Commissioners extended its unanimous support of Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month through a resolution passed at their last meeting. Read into record by Board Chairman Jim Bensberg, the resolution expresses concern for both individuals and families affected by pancreatic cancer and includes some sobering statistics about the presently-incurable disease, such as: “over 42,000 people will be diagnosed with pancreatic cancer this year in the U.S., and more than 35,000 will die from the disease … 425 of which will occur in Colorado.” The resolution further emphasizes that pancreatic cancer is the deadliest of all cancers, claiming the lives of 76% of all pancreatic cancer patients within the first year.

Following the resolution’s reading, representatives of El Paso County’s Pancreatic Cancer (PanCan) Action Network stood shoulder to shoulder and shared emotional testimonies of how pancreatic cancer has personally impacted their lives. Stephen Mackin was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer 18 months ago and expressed his deepest gratitude to PanCan for assisting him in getting medical treatment, along with comprehensive information about the disease and a caring local support group. “I would say that PanCan is a life-saving organization, and I believe we are on the threshold of some amazing breakthroughs in terms of treatment and a cure for pancreatic cancer,” Mackin shared. “I want to see pancreatic cancer solved in my lifetime.”

Terri Bertoli lost her brother to pancreatic cancer just six weeks after he was diagnosed with an advanced stage of the disease; he was 42 years old. “Since his death, I’ve made pancreatic cancer my mission so that other families don’t have to go through what I am experiencing.” A candlelight vigil will be held in Bancroft Park, located at 2408 W. Colorado Ave., on November 14, beginning at 5:30 p.m., to honor those who have lost their lives to pancreatic cancer in addition to survivors. For more information about pancreatic cancer and the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, visit: www.pancan.org.

The Board of County Commissioners’ resolution regarding Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month can be accessed online at: http://bcc.elpasoco.com/Thursday+Past+Agenda.htm

Attached Photos (Left to Right: Commissioner Amy Lathen, PanCan Representative Steve Mackin, Board Chairman Jim Bensberg, PanCan Representative Terri Bertoli, Board Vice Chair Sallie Clark and Commissioner Dennis Hisey/back).