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In
honor of our father / husband Joseph C. Monastra,
who passed away on April 4, 2002 after only 4 short
weeks of being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, we
have established the "Joseph C. Monastra
Fund for Pancreatic Cancer Research" at Johns
Hopkins University in Baltimore. According to the
Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCAN), no effective
early detection methods have been developed, there
are minimal treatment options available and very
little research is presently under way due to limited
research funding. We have established this foundation
in order to make a difference for pancreatic cancer
research and raise awareness for the need for increased
research funding. We have partnered up with Johns
Hopkins and a group of scientists in the pathology
department who are working specifically on pancreatic
cancer research. By establishing this fund in Joseph's
name, we have the privilege of earmarking the funds.
Pancreatic
Cancer has gone too long with out a voice.
It is a disease that most call "The Silent Killer." Many
other forms of cancer have made enormous strides
in reducing their mortality rate through research
and the development of early detection and prevention
methods. The need for advocacy is crucial in helping
make a difference for pancreatic cancer and the tens
of thousands of people diagnosed each year (approx.
30,000 this year). Our family's hope is that
through our voice and the voice of many we
can raise awareness for the need to increase the
allocation for research dollars to pancreatic
cancer research.
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