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WHEREAS, pancreatic cancer is the fourth leading cause of cancer death in the United States because when symptoms present themselves, it is usually too late for an optimistic diagnosis; and,
WHEREAS, in 2011, an estimated 44,030 people will be diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in the United States and 37,660 will die from the disease, while approximately 2,070 deaths from pancreatic cancer will occur in Pennsylvania; and,
WHEREAS, despite the desperate need for a cure, the Federal Government continues to invest significantly less money in pancreatic cancer research than it does any other leadership cancer killers; and,
WHEREAS, the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network is the first and only national patient advocacy organization that serves the pancreatic cancer community in Allegheny County and nationwide by focusing its efforts on public policy, research funding, patient services, and public awareness and education related to developing effective treatments and a cure for pancreatic cancer; and,
WHEREAS, the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network and its affiliate in Pittsburgh support those patients currently battling pancreatic cancer, as well as those who have lost their lives to the disease, and are committed to nothing less than a care; and,
WHEREAS, on November 20, 2011, in communities across the country, thousands of people will participate in one of forty-five PurpleLight Vigil for Hope events in commemoration of November of Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month and to honor those who are fighting pancreatic cancer and for those who have lost the fight. PurpleLight Pittsburgh will be held at Gilda's Club Western PA Clubhouse at 6:00 p.m.; individuals are encouraged to wear as much purple as possible.
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NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Council of the City of Pittsburgh does hereby recognize that the good health and well-being of the residents of Pittsburgh are enhanced as a direct result of increased awareness about pancreatic cancer and research in early detection, causes and treatments; and,
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Council of the City of Pittsburgh does hereby declare November 2011, to be "PANCREATIC CANCER AWARENESS MONTH" in the City of Pittsburgh.