Stand Up To Cancer

This Is Where the End of Cancer Begins

Remembering Patrick Swayze

Posted on September 14, 2009 9:57 PM

I was heartbroken to hear that pancreatic cancer has taken Patrick Swayze away from us. He was only 57. He is one of 1,500 people who died in this country today from cancer. He seduced us all 20 years ago in Dirty Dancing; countless roles later, he used his voice to raise awareness of pancreatic cancer, one of the deadliest forms of the disease. On September 5, 2008, we were honored to have him introduce Stand Up To Cancer's big show. His words that day are ringing in my ears now, reminding me both of the bravery he demonstrated in facing cancer and the importance of finding a cure. It is up to all of us to stand up to this disease in honor of Patrick and everyone who suffers from it.

To add a tribute to Patrick Swayze's star in the SU2C Constellation, click here.

Here's Patrick on the Sept 5, 2008 SU2C show:

--Laura Ziskin

21 Comment(s) on this post | View Comments | Post a Comment | Permalink |

Posted by Phil Waigand | September 20, 2009 11:02 AM

I am a present cancer patient and truly relate
to Patrick Swayze's statement of giving people
with cancer a sense of hope instead of living
in fear. He has made a difference!

Posted by Alison | September 18, 2009 8:04 AM

Not only did the actor I dreamed about 20 years ago die of pancreatic cancer, but the true man of my dreams, my husband, died 10 months ago of the same disease. He was only 47 y.o. My heart goes out to Lisa and all of Patrick's friends and family - you are in my prayers. Let's all keep their memories alive and continue their strength and passion by working to fund the teams that are going to find a cure.

Posted by Kim- L.A. West | September 16, 2009 9:55 AM

Patrick's courage inspires us all, to never give up, fighting for cancer cures.

We know he took a World full of Love with him, and he will live forever in our hearts.

Posted by pecanpie | September 15, 2009 9:00 PM

So unbelievably sad to see him go, but ever so grateful he chose to share his battle as bravely and candidly as he did. I already know of at least one person so moved by his words that she chose to be pro-active about her own early detection and it saved her life. I can only imagine how many more lives out there will be saved thanks to his courageous efforts. You did good, Patrick, and the world will forvever miss you.

Posted by elayne west | September 15, 2009 6:41 PM

My prayers go out to Patricks family and friends at this time. My son Erik, 16, was diagnosed with Ewings Sarcoma on 1/12/09. He has finished chemo and is cancer free at this time. I can only imagine what you are all going through. From what I've seen for the past 20 months, Patrick was very strong and brave facing this. You will always have that to remember. A cure is out there, we can only pray it will come soon. God Bless.

Posted by Elane | September 15, 2009 5:25 PM

My mother died of pancreatic cancer, on September 5th (1991). She was only 54. It's so important to Stand Up to cancer....

Posted by Patti | September 15, 2009 1:07 PM

Love him in all of his movies. We will miss you.

Posted by Barbara | September 15, 2009 7:20 AM

My heart goes out to Patricks family.. It is a sad thing to lose a great actor entertainer..I loved everything about him..
God Bless the family!!

Posted by Shirley Espey | September 15, 2009 6:33 AM

RIP Patrick. My thoughts and prayers are with your dear wife, family and friends. God Bless.

Posted by Briana | September 15, 2009 6:32 AM

so sad

Posted by Denise & Ken Valentin | September 15, 2009 5:27 AM

Lisa:

Our thoughts, blessing and strength go to you during this time. Your husband was loved by many and will be missed.

Posted by Anita | September 15, 2009 5:22 AM

I lost my mom to pancreatic cancer when she was just 51 years old. A swift and terrible disease... My thoughts are with Patrick's friends and family.

Posted by Khulani Mngomezulu | September 15, 2009 5:18 AM

He will be missed, and he gave us great moment and Dirty Dancing is stil one of my best movies. Rest in peace bt 4us left behind, the struggle 4awareness continues.

Posted by theresa | September 15, 2009 4:09 AM

you will be sadly missed

Posted by Alicia Calderon | September 15, 2009 4:05 AM

one of my best actor. I cried last night when I heard the news of his dead

Posted by DeAnna | September 15, 2009 2:14 AM

Patrick Swayze will be truely missed he was a great actor, a wonderful dancer and an amazing man. It saddens me to think that we still loose millions of wonderful people to this horrible disease. This year I lost My Aunt to a form of breast cancer that settled in her lungs, and my mother also had to battle a stage 1 breast cancer. With all the advances man has made in modern medicine.....why can we not stop this disease and find a cure?

Posted by Paula Stein Berman | September 15, 2009 12:15 AM

My condolences go out to his family, my father died of liver & pancreatic cancer 23 yrs ago & i know how hard it is to lose a family member to this horrible disease, R.I.P. patrick, i'm sure the world will always remember what a great person & actor you were, i love you & will miss you a great deal.

Posted by Roe | September 14, 2009 11:18 PM

You fought a good fight and you will forever be in my thoughts and prayers. YOu are an inspiration to all. Thank you for the many years you shared with us and now it is time for you to dance with the angels.

Posted by Heather | September 14, 2009 10:37 PM

R.I.P. Patrick!!!! You will be missed!!!

Posted by Jean Borchers | September 14, 2009 10:22 PM

I will miss you...loved you in Dirty Dancing...Ghost!!

Posted by Alicia V Wrapp | September 14, 2009 10:18 PM

MaY Patrick Swayze always live in our hearts. Such a wonderful actor. His lats days were filled with suffering and now he is free, May He rest in Peace. Truly a beautiful being.