Patrick Swayze urges American leaders to help fund cancer research

Washington, Feb 10 (ANI): Cancer-stricken Hollywood actor Patrick Swayze has urged American leaders to help fund cancer research.

The 'Ghost' actor, who has been battling pancreatic cancer for over a year, requested through a letter to a leading newspaper, in which he wrote that the country's leaders should take necessary steps towards cancer research.

"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. 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," Contactmusic quoted him as writing in the letter.

Swayze recommended that more funds should be generated for cancer research, as the deadly disease is growing at rapid rate, and has engulfed large part of the 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. 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," Swayze stated.

"By advancing good health, it also enables Americans to reach their individual potential and contribute more to society," he added.

Swayze then called for a 10 billion-dollar research hand-out on behalf of the National Institutes of Health, adding: "Stand up to create jobs, fight illness and deliver hope." (ANI)