Patrick Swayze, who is battling pancreatic cancer, took to the pages of The Washington Post on Sunday asking Congress to help with his – and 1.4 million other American’s – plight.
“For me, fighting cancer is personal. Ever since I was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in January 2008, I’ve been waging an intense, often hellacious battle. It’s me (with a lot of love and medical support) against my disease,” “The Beast” actor wrote.
Swayze is not only asking for help with his own struggle, but also the fight of millions of others are waging against the disease.
“But I’m not alone. 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,” Swayze wrote.
The actor believes cancer should be an issue for the entire country.
“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,” he continued.
Swayze feels more economic aid to people’s health care will help the entire economy.
“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,” he wrote. “Medical research supports jobs and infrastructure. By advancing good health, it also enables Americans to reach their individual potential and contribute more to society.”
“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,” Swayze added. “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.”
As previously reported on AccessHollywood.com, earlier this month, Swayze was admitted to Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, suffering from pneumonia. He was released several days later.
In an interview with Barbara Walters conducted in December, which aired in January, Patrick admitted that his day-to-day battle with pancreatic cancer is scary.
“There’s a lot of fear here,” Patrick told Barbara. “There’s a lot of stuff goin’ on. Yeah, I’m scared. Yeah, I’m angry. Yeah, I’m [like], ‘Why me?’ Yeah, I’m all this stuff.”
Copyright © 2024 by NBC Universal, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
This material may not be republished, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.