Annual Appeal Letter from the Patrick Comer Courage Foundation

Dear Friends of the Patrick Comer Courage Foundation:

In support of our Mission, the Patrick Comer Courage Foundation wants to do our part to create a greater awareness about this disease by informing our network of friends. Although it is the 4th leading cause of cancer deaths, pancreatic cancer is the least understood of all the major cancer killers.

Since becoming a 501 (c)(3) foundation and public charity in February 2009, the Patrick Comer Courage Foundation has accomplished much. Together and with your generosity we have made a difference in the lives of many cancer patients and their families. We have also contributed significantly to awareness and research programs through the Pancreatic Cancer Alliance at UMass Memorial Hospital, AYA 15-40 Connection in conjunction with the Dana-Farber/Jimmy Fund, and the social services fund for patients in need at City of Hope, Los Angeles.

Please wear your Patrick Comer Courage Foundation bracelet or ribbon pin as a way of creating awareness during Pancreatic Cancer Month. If you do not have a bracelet or pin, please email us and we will send you one.

"Living with cancer often begins as an individual journey, but it doesn’t necessarily have to end that way." - Mr. Jim Comer

In addition to our grants to cancer patients and their families, PCCF also funds an endowment and restricted aid scholarships at Saint John's High School for graduates of Worcester's Nativity School, insuring that a Saint John's education is available to inner city boys who could not ordinarily afford such an education.

We are asking all who are on Facebook or other social networks to please help us circulate this appeal letter. Together we can make a difference in the lives of others in memory of Patrick.

As 2011 comes to a close, please consider a tax deductible donation to the Patrick Comer Courage Foundation. Your donation can be made online, or you may send a check to the Patrick Comer Courage Foundation, P.O. Box 282, Princeton, MA 01541-0282.

Thank you for your continued support and generosity.

-- Jim Comer, President, Patrick Comer Courage Foundation

Did you know that pancreatic cancer ranks just 11th in National Cancer Institute spending despite being the 4th leading cause of cancer death? Each year, more than 37,000 Americans are diagnosed with pancreatic cancer; more than 33,000 die, making pancreatic cancer more deadly than prostate and close to breast cancer. The five year survival is less than 5 percent.

Know the signs... Pancreatic cancer is silent and sneaky. There are no early detection methods. Here are some of the risk factors and symptoms:

• Family history of pancreatic cancer
• Lack of appetite, sudden weight loss
• Sudden onset diabetes or a sudden change in blood sugar control in diabetes
• Change of color in urine or stool
• Indigestion, nausea, vomiting
• Abdominal/Back pain
• Chronic pancreatitis
• Jaundice
• Fatigue

To learn more about this specific type of cancer, and to learn how you can become more involved in helping to fight it, contact the Pancreatic Cancer Alliance.