Katie Couric Speaks Out Against Pancreatic Cancer in Beverly Hills on Nov. 12

Katie Couric Speaks Out Against Pancreatic Cancer in Beverly Hills on Nov. 12

PanCAN's Celebrity Red Carpet Fundraiser Attracts Hollywood Crowd at Annual Event

EL SEGUNDO, Calif., Nov. 10 /PRNewswire/ -- . NBC's Today Show host Katie Couric will join other celebrities at the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network's (PanCAN) "An Evening With the Stars" gala on Saturday, Nov. 12 at 5:30 p.m. at the Beverly Hilton to raise money and awareness to fight pancreatic cancer. Couric will present the Emily Couric Public Service Award in honor of her sister, former Virginia State Senator for the 25th district, who died of pancreatic cancer. During the event, PanCAN will also present a special honor to ABC's Extreme Makeover: Home Edition in recognition of its recent efforts on behalf of a Utah family affected by pancreatic cancer. Actor and comedian Jay Mohr will emcee the gala, which includes a silent auction, premier entertainment, dinner and awards. PanCAN is the first, national patient-based advocacy organization for the pancreatic cancer community, including patients, families, medical researchers and physicians.

"An Evening With the Stars" attracts celebrities and other luminaries from Los Angeles and across the country who gather together to lend their support to PanCAN. The annual black-tie event is PanCAN's largest fundraiser and supports the more than 32,000 Americans who will be diagnosed this year with pancreatic cancer. More than 700 attended last year and raised more than $650,000.

The Emily Couric Public Service Award honors an individual or organization that in its public role exemplifies the dedication to others as seen in the life and work of former Virginia State Senator Emily Couric, who died on October 18, 2001 of pancreatic cancer. As a lasting tribute to Emily Couric's commitment, selfless dedication and great vision for a better, safer, and healthier world, the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network named the Emily Couric Public Service Award in her honor.

This year, PanCAN originated a special award for ABC's popular reality show, Extreme Makeover: Home Edition, which built a new home for the five-member Harrison family in August. Friends of Gordon Harrison, who is battling pancreatic cancer, recommended the family to the show's producers in recognition of the family dad's dedication to volunteerism despite his medical challenges.

Jay Mohr, host of NBC's popular show "Last Comic Standing", is back this year as emcee after being honored by PanCAN last year.

To purchase tickets to "An Evening With the Stars," please visit www.pancan.org or call (310) 725-0025.

About PanCAN

PanCAN is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 1999 by surviving family members of individuals who died of pancreatic cancer. Chartered as a grassroots organization of advocacy for pancreatic cancer patients and their families, PanCAN currently has volunteers and members throughout the United States and around the world. PanCAN is the first, national public-benefit advocacy organization for the pancreatic cancer community. The organization works to focus national attention on the need to find a cure for pancreatic cancer, and provides public and professional education embracing the urgent need for more research, effective treatments, prevention programs and early detection methods. Visit www.pancan.org to obtain more information, e-mail info@pancan.org, or call 1-877-272-6226.

Source: Pancreatic Cancer Action Network

CONTACT: Jennifer Beaver, +1-562-983-8117, jbeaver@akprgroup.com, for
Pancreatic Cancer Action Network

Web site: http://www.pancan.org/

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