Woiner Foundation gives $30,000 to melanoma, pancreatic cancer research

PITTSBURGH — On Monday at the WPXI-TV Studios, The Woiner Foundation awarded a total of $30,000 to three different groups to support melanoma and pancreatic cancer research and patient care programs.

The foundation awarded $15,000 to the University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute's Melanoma and Skin Cancer Program. The award was accepted by Dr. John Kirkwood, the program's director. The money will directly support the program's melanoma research initiatives.

The foundation awarded $10,000 to the Alliance of Families Fighting Pancreatic Cancer. The award was accepted by Marla Wagner, Director of Media for the AFFPC. The money will be used to support Dr. A. James Moser's pancreatic cancer research programs.

The foundation awarded $5,000 to the Pittsburgh Affiliate of the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network. The award was accepted by Affiliate Coordinator Andrea Bauer-Kuczma. The money will be used to support PANCAN's Patient and Liaison Services (PALS) program. PALS is a comprehensive and free information service for pancreatic cancer patients, their families and healthcare professionals.

The Woiner Foundation raised the money through its first ever fundraising event, the 3-2-1 Ride, which was attended by more than 400 area cyclists on Oct. 13, 2013 on Pittsburgh's North Shore. WPXI-TV is the official media partner of the 3-2-1 Ride.

“We are delighted to present these funds to three organizations which are working tirelessly in the fight against melanoma and pancreatic cancer,” said Rita Woiner, pancreatic cancer survivor and CFO of the Woiner Foundation.

“We look forward to growing our organization, hosting more events, and awarding bigger and bigger checks in the coming years,” said Ric Fera, melanoma survivor and CIO of the Woiner Foundation.

The Woiner Foundation is a Pittsburgh-based 501(c)(3), volunteer-run, non-profit organization founded in 2013. The organization's mission is to fight melanoma and pancreatic cancer by increasing awareness, supporting patients, survivors and families and funding important research.

Pancreatic cancer is the 4th leading cause of cancer death for both men and women in the United States. It is estimated that in 2013, 45,220 Americans will be diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and 38,460 will die from the disease.

Melanoma is one of the fastest growing cancers in the U.S. and worldwide, and it’s the most common form of cancer for young adults aged 25-29. Every eight minutes someone in the U.S. will be diagnosed with melanoma but when caught early, it’s almost 100% curable.

Learn more at WoinerFoundation.org.

WPXI