Pancreatic Cancer Action Network pushes for legislation after the passing of Sally Ride

The Pancreatic Cancer Action Network released a statement Monday night regarding the passing of Sally Ride, the first American woman to travel into space. The full statement is below: "Sally Ride was an inspiration for all Americans, not just young women who learned from her extraordinary example that anything is possible," said Julie Fleshman, president and CEO of the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network. "At 61, Ms. Ride's life was cut entirely too short by a ruthless disease. Ms. Ride is one of nearly 38,000 Americans who will lose their battle with pancreatic cancer this year. Unfortunately, just six percent of pancreatic cancer patients survive their diagnosis after five years – a rate that has stayed unacceptably consistent.""The Pancreatic Cancer Action Network is working with an unprecedented network of patients and family members to advocate for the passage of the Pancreatic Cancer Research & Education Act this year. The legislation would, for the very first time, compel the National Cancer Institute to create a long term comprehensive strategic plan to fight the disease. We can make progress against this deadly disease, but we can't beat it without an adequate plan. The legislation now has nearly 60 Senate co-sponsors and over 270 House co-sponsors – a level of bi-partisan support that is rare. We owe it to the memory of Sally Ride and so many others to finally give our scientists and doctors the tools they need to finally make real progress against pancreatic cancer."