Local Families Reach Out In Pancreatic Support Group

JACKSONVILLE, FL -- We hear lots about breast cancer and prostate cancer. But you rarely hear discussion about pancreatic cancer.

That is changing with the passing of former state senator Jim King from pancreatic cancer, an especially vicious form of cancer.

According to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, pancreatic cancer has the worst mortality rate of lung, prostate, breast, and colon cancer -- by far.

So local family and friends are meeting to boost research dollars and support each other.

Click on the video to meet friends and family of Larry, a local man who died from pancreatic cancer only two months and two days after he was diagnosed.

His family says he had no glaring symptoms in time for any chance at early diagnosis.

They're turning their sadness into action now through the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, or pancan.

Pancan says less than 2% of the National Cancer Institute's research budget is currently going toward pancreatic cancer.

So the local supporters of the fight are holding a "Purple Stride" event on September 12th.

Just show up at the Seawalk Pavilion at Jacksonville Beach at 8 am on Sept. 12th. You can join in a family festival or walk or run to help the cause.

For more information go to www.pancam.org and look for the local group's activities.

The Jacksonville support group meets once a month at the Mayo Clinic and everyone is welcome. Their info is also on the website mentioned above.

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