Ecorazzi

As many know, Patrick Swayze is battling pancreatic cancer — and the actor has turned into a vocal proponent of finding a cure for the deadly disease. In a recent letter to Congress, Swayze urged leaders to act on finding a cure, support funding that would help with research, and stop dragging their feet on the nation’s health. Here is an excerpt,

“Our individual battles should also be national ones. “With Congress about to decide how much money to include for medical research as part of the economic stimulus package, the time has come to take my personal fight to a larger stage. My message to our senators and representatives is simple: Vote for the maximum funding to let the National Institutes of Health fight cancer and other life-threatening illnesses. It’s not only good for our nation’s health; it’s also good for our economic well-being.

“When I was growing up in Texas, my family had a simple response for challenges like this: ‘Stop talking about it, and do something about it,’” he continues. “That’s how I feel about finding more money for cancer research. My hope is that some day, the words ‘a cure’ won’t be followed by the words ‘is impossible.’”

The star concludes his lengthy letter with, “So here’s my plea to Congress: Stand up to cancer. Stand up for people fighting serious disease. Stand up and help restore America’s economy. Stand up and help build a prosperous and healthy future for our people by giving the NIH $10 billion for research. Stand up to create jobs, fight illness and deliver hope.”

To read the full letter, please click here. We wish Swayze the best as he battles this disease and stand by his call for action.