Partnership Honors Gilbert's Close
Relationships with Michael Landon
and Patrick Swayze, Both of Whom
Passed from the Disease, in Support of Pancreatic Cancer Awareness
Month
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NEW
YORK, Oct. 14, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Acclaimed
actress, best-selling author and co-founder of Modern Prairie,
Melissa Gilbert, together with her
business partner, co-founder and CEO Nicole
Haase, are teaming up with the Pancreatic Cancer Action
Network (PanCAN) to launch a special capsule collection from
their lifestyle brand, Modern Prairie. This new partnership is
dedicated to raising funds and awareness for PanCAN programs as
part of Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month this November. Purchases
from the Modern Prairie x PanCAN collection will fund PanCAN's
vital resources, services and research that drive progress for this
disease.
Melissa lost her mentor, acting partner, favorite director,
father figure, friend and boss, Michael
Landon, in 1991 to pancreatic cancer. And in 2009, Melissa
lost her dear friend, Patrick
Swayze, whom she had known since the early 80s. More than 30
years later, she is more committed than ever to honoring Michael's
legacy and Patrick's memory, educating her community and fighting
for the future.
"Michael Landon was one of the
greatest influences on my life. His death left an enormous hole in
the lives of those of us who knew him personally as well those who
simply admired his work. And years later, when I learned that
Patrick was diagnosed, I was terrified for him," said Gilbert.
"Obviously, this is not a fight I can take on myself and that is
why I am so grateful for PanCAN. PanCAN is truly a one-of-a-kind
resource for people whose lives are impacted by pancreatic
cancer."
"Like so many others, I grew up watching Michael Landon and Melissa Gilbert on "Little House on the
Prairie," so it's such an honor to get to partner with Melissa,
Nicole and their company on this initiative," said Julie Fleshman, JD, MBA, president and CEO of
PanCAN. "We are so grateful to her and this opportunity to pay
tribute to both Michael and Patrick by spreading awareness and
raising money to create progress for pancreatic cancer
patients."
The Modern Prairie x PanCAN capsule collection is set to debut
today, leading into November's Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month
and also marking a significant milestone: the 50th anniversary of
the beloved hit series "Little House on the Prairie" this fall.
This special collection of products includes women's and children's
bonnets, a set of three pocket squares, a signature pie carrier, a
cozy throw, and a versatile tote bag—all featuring a beautiful
purple print, the color representing pancreatic cancer
awareness.
Pancreatic cancer remains one of the most challenging cancers to
prevent, diagnose or treat. Because its risk factors and symptoms
are vague, most people with pancreatic cancer are diagnosed at a
late stage when their tumor is inoperable, leaving these patients
with few treatment options. An estimated 66,440 Americans will be
diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 2024, and 51,750 are predicted
to die from the disease this year. Current estimates suggest that
the disease will be the second leading cause of cancer-related
deaths in the United States before
2030. The five-year survival rate is just 13% – no other major
cancer has a five-year survival less than 20%.
To help educate her community about pancreatic cancer, Melissa
will host a workshop on November 14
at 9AM PT/Noon
ET on the Modern Prairie platform featuring PanCAN Chief
Scientific Officer Lynn Matrisian,
PhD, MBA, who will talk about the risks and symptoms of the disease
and what to know if you or a loved one is diagnosed. Register for
free here.
A longtime supporter of pancreatic cancer education, Gilbert
participated in PanCAN PurpleStride, the ultimate walk to end
pancreatic cancer, in 2022 with her team, Prairie Strong, to raise
funds and awareness. Her connection to Landon and Swayze was deeply
personal. Landon, who portrayed her father "Pa Ingalls" on the acclaimed series, also served
as a paternal figure in her real life, offering support after the
loss of her own father. Gilbert's collaboration with Swayze in the
2007 Broadway musical "Prairie" further underscores their close
bond. The collection is a meaningful extension of Gilbert's
dedication to pancreatic cancer research and her ongoing efforts to
honor her late friends.
About PanCAN
The Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCAN) leads the way in
accelerating critical progress for pancreatic cancer patients.
PanCAN takes bold action by funding life-saving research, providing
personalized patient services and creating a community of
supporters and volunteers who will stop at nothing to create a
world in which all pancreatic cancer patients will thrive. For more
information on the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network and its urgent
mission to save lives, visit pancan.org or follow PanCAN
on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.
About Modern Prairie:
Modern Prairie's mission is to empower women to (re)discover
their confidence and overcome feelings of isolation by fostering a
warm, supportive community. Women can come together to share their
stories, seek advice, shop, and learn from one another in an
environment that celebrates their unique voices and achievements.
Modern Prairie is dedicated to amplifying women's perspectives and
connecting them with others who are driving meaningful change in
their lives and communities.
Media Contact: pancan@smithhousestrategy.com
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SOURCE Pancreatic Cancer Action Network