I had a very inspiring Saturday night as I attended the “An Evening With the Stars” Gala, benefiting the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, at the Regent Beverly Wilshire. It seems that lately, Pancreatic Cancer has been all over the headlines with the recent passing of Steve Jobs and before him, Patrick Swayze. But, as I found out at the Gala, relatively little is known about this especially deadly disease, and as a result, many people are dying. In fact, the grim statistics reveal that the five year survival rate of this type of cancer is only 6%. Compare that to breast cancer, which has an over 90% survival rate five years out. What the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network is trying to do is raise awareness and funds to combat this disease, as well as try to double the survival rate by 2020.
Mindy Kaling
The soiree itself was topnotch, with Wolfgang Puck providing the scrumptious grub which included sea bass, tomato soup, grilled octopus, short ribs, and creme brulee. And Chris Isaak brought the audience to its feet with his sultry rendition of “Wicked Game” and rocking “Pretty Woman” performance.
Chris Isaak
What was really amazing was seeing the Pancreatic Cancer Survivors all swathed in purple (the official color of the movement). Charlotte Rae (you may remember her as the lovable Mrs. Garrett from The Facts of Life) was seated at my table, and proudly acknowledged that she is a survivor. And click here to read about another brave survivor, Roberta Luna, who is changing the way that people think about this type of cancer. The event raised over $1,000,00o for Pancreatic Cancer research, which is desperately needed in order to find a cure for this devastating illness.
Charlotte Rae
I had the opportunity to chat with Lisa Niemi, Swayze’s widow, and spokesperson for the Network. She let me know how she was doing, and that Patrick is never far from her mind or heart. She is also writing a book about the last two years of his life.
I also caught up with The Office star/writer Mindy Kaling who gave me the update on her fashion and beauty blog, as well as the product she cannot live without. And guess what she will be dressing up as for Halloween?
And here is Isaak ripping it up for the crowd. He is such an amazing guitar player!
Click here to learn more about the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, and how you can help in the fight against Pancreatic Cancer.
Click here to join Red Carpet Roxy on Twitter and here for the RCR Facebook page.
