"We met this summer with

Georgia Congressman Johnny Isakson to help increase understanding of the

need to support pancreatic cancer research."

Swanson explained that pancreatic

cancer has a 99 percent fatality rate, is the deadliest of all cancers,

and attacks men and women equally.

Of the one percent who survive,

less than one-half percent will live beyond five years.

Most die quickly. "My

father was taken only four weeks after diagnosis," she said. "There

are no known effective treatment options and no early detection methods,"

she added.

"That's why we're dedicated

to help provide resources to Johns Hopkins University, the leading center

for pancreatic cancer research and prevention in the United States."

Monies raised at the ride will

go directly to the fund. Representing the pancreatic research team from

Johns Hopkins at the event will be chief scientist Christine Iacobuzio

who will be the ride's official starter.

Additional tax-deductible contributions

may be made directly to the fund instead of or in addition to attending

the event, Swanson explained. Checks should be made payable to "Johns

Hopkins University" and, in the memo area, write "Joseph C.

Monastra Fund" to be sure it is applied correctly.

Checks may be brought to the

event or mailed directly to Dr. Ralph Hruban, Johns Hopkins Department

of Pathology, Weinberg 2242, 401 N. Broadway, Baltimore, Maryland 21287.

For more information on the Fund and pancreatic cancer research, visit

https://pathology2.jhu.edu/pancreas/monastra.htm