Mickey Powell Pancreatic Cancer Foundation

     On December 10, 2007, Pancreatic Cancer took the life of our beloved James "Mickey" Powell. Mickey lived a short seven weeks and five days after being diagnosed with Pancreatic Cancer. In the few weeks before his death, Mickey endured tremendous physical pain and suffering. Even the best of pain medications offered no relief. Mickey did not deserve to die this way. He would often wish out loud for just a little more time to be with the ones he loved- his wish was not granted. Mickey spent most of his life granting the wishes and fulfilling the needs of others, therefore, to continue in his spirit and honor a wonderful man, we have established the "Mickey Powell Pancreatic Cancer Foundation" in memory of him.

     Pancreatic Cancer is often referred to as the "Silent Killer" because the cancer usually causes no early symptoms and by the time one is diagnossed, metastasis has usually occurred. Each year about 33,000 Americans ar diagnosed with this condition and the prognosis is generally poor. The median survival rate from the time of diagnosis is between 3 and 6 months. Only 4% of victims survive past 5 years after being diagnosed. With 37,170 cases diagnosed in the United States in 2007, and 33,700 deaths, Pancreatic Cancer has the highest fatality rate of all cancers and is the fourth highest cancer killer in the United States among both men and women.

     There are not many advocates, the latest and world known, "Randy Pausch", due to the fact they don't live long enough. Therefore, we must work to be the voice of these victims. Through this foundation, we hope to raise awareness around the need for:

1st, awareness that there is not enough funds available for research and because of this there is no desire for most young and upcoming researchers to follow this field. Currently research spending per Pancreatic Cancer patient is the lowest of any leading cancer and over the past 30 years, there has been no progess made in early detection, treating or managing the disease.

2nd, funding for families who can't afford the medicines or home healthcare for their loved ones.

In Mickey Powell's name we hope to raise money to help fund research and help families and raise awareness in our community so that others my be spared from this death sentence know as PANCREATIC CANCER.

Statistics taken from Wikipedia