Look To The Stars News: Patrick Swayze

Private Practice Cast Hosts Dinner To Honor Cancer Survivors

Thu, 01 Oct 2009 15:00:00 -0000

Wolfgang Puck’s Spago Beverly Hills was the site for a special dinner to “Blow Out Cancer” and celebrate the lives of four courageous American Cancer Society survivors.

As the “Official Sponsor of Birthdays”, the American Cancer Society (ACS) teamed up with Golden Globe award winning creator and executive producer Shonda Rhimes (“Grey’s Anatomy”) and the cast of Private Practice to join the movement to create a world with more birthdays. ACS is committed to helping people take steps to prevent cancer or detect it early and increase cancer research efforts and treatment options.

Many cast members were in attendance, including Tim Daly (Dr. Pete Wilder), who stated that ACS, “…is an incredible charity that has made tremendous efforts in research, care, and prevention for so many years.”

In fact, the work of ACS has contributed to a 15 percent decrease in the cancer death rate since the 1990’s and has contributed nearly $3.4 billion to cancer research. Fellow cast member, Paul Adelstein (Dr. Cooper Freedman) noted that ACS has been around for nearly one hundred years, and has raised more money for cancer research than any other non-governmental organization.

KaDee Strickland, who plays the character Dr. Charlotte King, commented on the important role that ACS continues to play to help save lives: “We all have to take responsibility for our own health. The American Cancer Society helps teach people how to stay well, how to get well and that they can be of service to others.” Ms. Strickland also stated that although she was deeply saddened by the passing of two of Hollywood’s longtime icons, Patrick Swayze and Farrah Fawcett, she truly admired how candid they were about their struggle with the deadly disease.

For more information about ACS’s “Official Sponsor of Birthdays” campaign, visit www.morebirthdays.com to join the movement to create a world with more birthdays for everyone.

Patrick Swayze's Charity Legacy

Tue, 15 Sep 2009 15:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Patrick Swayze has passed away after a long battle with cancer, aged 57.

The star – who was best known for his work in the films “Dirty Dancing” and “Ghost”, as well as for his international hit “She’s Like The Wind” – was first diagnosed with Pancreatic Cancer in January 2008, and fought the disease bravely until his death yesterday.

“Patrick lived a thousand lifetimes in one lifetime,” said actor Rob Lowe. “He was an expert dancer, he wrote hit songs, he starred in hit movies, he was an amazing horseman. But the thing I will remember him most for was his amazing love affair with his wife Lisa.”

Swayze used his illness to raise awareness of the disease and funds for research into cures and treatment.

In September 2008, Swayze made an appearance on the ABC, NBC, and CBS simulcast charity extravaganza Stand Up To Cancer, a star-studded event that raised millions of dollars for cancer research.

“I dream that the word ‘cure’ will no longer be followed by the words ’it’s impossible’,” he told the audience. “Together, we can make a world where cancer no longer means living with fear, without hope, or worse”

“He said a beautiful thing: ’I’m just an individual living with cancer’,” said Stand Up To Cancer organizer Laura Ziskin. “That’s how he wants to be thought of. He’s in a fight, but he’s a fighter.”

In February of 2009, Swayze penned an open letter in the Washington Post urging world leaders to help in the fight against cancer.

“Ever since I was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in January 2008, I’ve been waging an intense, often hellacious battle… but I’m not alone,” wrote the star. "More than 1.4 million Americans will be diagnosed with cancer this year. In the United States, one out of three women and one out of two men will be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetimes. Look around you; at one point or another, cancer will strike very close to home for everyone.

“By advancing good health, it also enables Americans to reach their individual potential and contribute more to society.”

To read the full letter, click here.

Swayze is survived by his wife of over 30 years, Lisa, and his mother, Patsy. He will be missed by both the celebrity world and those involved in the struggle against cancer.

Patrick Swayze Urges Congress To Fight Cancer

Tue, 10 Feb 2009 14:00:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Patrick Swayze has penned an open letter in the Washington Post urging world leaders to help in the fight against cancer.

The 56-year-old was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in January 2008 and wrote the letter to ask Congress to fund cancer research and give financial assistance to sufferers. He called for a $10 billion grant to go towards research and assistance on behalf of the National Institutes of Health.

“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. Medical research supports jobs and infrastructure.

“By advancing good health, it also enables Americans to reach their individual potential and contribute more to society.”

Swayze was hospitalized with pneumonia last month and is currently continuing with treatment for his cancer.

Stand Up To Cancer A Huge Success

Mon, 08 Sep 2008 15:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

A multitude of stars came out on Friday night as part of the Stand Up To Cancer television extravaganza to raise money for cancer research.

The hour-long program – simulcast live on NBC, ABC, and CBS – featured celebrities such as Jennifer Garner, Halle Berry, Forest Whitaker and Casey Affleck reading accounts of people battling cancer, as well as musical items, comedy sketches, and the opportunity for people to ring up and pledge donations – with stars such as Ellen DeGeneres, America Ferrera and Kirsten Dunst answering the phones.

“This is an absolutely historic night, thanks to the unbelievable generosity of the three networks,” event organiser, producer and cancer survivor Laura Ziskin told the audience at Los Angeles’ Kodak Theatre.

The biggest surprise of the night was the appearance of Patrick Swayze, who was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer earlier this year.

“He looks amazing,” former basketball player Charles Barkley told People Magazine. “For me, seeing Patrick Swayze, someone who is actually fighting this disease, was the best part of the show. Seeing him in person was amazing.”

The idea behind the event was that it is the lack of funding – and not just research – that is slowing the advance of cancer prevention and treatment, and over $100 million has been raised since the Stand Up To Cancer initiative was launched earlier this year.

The telethon – which was viewed by over 10.5 million people – also featured performances by Melissa Etheridge, Sheryl Crow, and James Taylor, as well as the television premiere of the star-studded charitable single Just Stand Up performed by Mariah Carey, Beyoncé Knowles, Mary J. Blige, Rihanna, Fergie, Sheryl Crow, Miley Ray Cyrus, Melissa Etheridge, Ashanti, Natasha Bedingfield, Keyshia Cole, Ciara, Leona Lewis, LeAnn Rimes, and Carrie Underwood. Everybody Loves Raymond star Brad Garrett underwent a prostate examination on the show, and cartoon character Homer Simpson had a colonoscopy.

Other stars who were part of the show included Jennifer Aniston, Scarlett Johansson, Meryl Streep, David Cook, Christina Applegate, Lance Armstrong, Jack Black, Hilary Swank, Jimmy Fallon, and Keanu Reeves, all of whom wanted to do something positive to help the 550,000 Americans and six million people worldwide who die from cancer each year.

As part of Stand Up To Cancer’s efforts, there is also an auction running on eBay that offers the chance to meet the cast of celebrities such as Katie Couric, Stephen Colbert, and Jay Leno. It runs until September 15, and can be accessed through eBay.

Look To The Stars News: Patrick Swayze

Private Practice Cast Hosts Dinner To Honor Cancer Survivors

Related past articles

Patrick Swayze's Charity Legacy

Related past articles

Patrick Swayze Urges Congress To Fight Cancer

Related past articles

Stand Up To Cancer A Huge Success

Related past articles