The partnership honors Gilbert's close relationships with Michael Landon and Patrick Swayze, both of whom passed away from the disease, and supports Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month

New York, NY, October 14, 2024 – Acclaimed actress, best-selling author and Modern Prairie co-founder Melissa Gilbert, along with her business partner, co-founder and CEO Nicole Haase, is collaborating with the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCAN) to launch a special capsule collection of their lifestyle Brand Modern Prairie. The goal of this new partnership is to raise funds and awareness for PanCAN programs during Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month in November. Purchases from the Modern Prairie x PanCAN collection fund PanCAN's vital resources, services and research that advance progress in this disease.

Melissa lost her mentor, acting partner, favorite director, father figure, friend and boss Michael Landon to pancreatic cancer in 1991. And in 2009, Melissa lost her dear friend Patrick Swayze, whom she had known since the early 80s. More than 30 years later, she is more committed than ever to honoring Michael's legacy and Patrick's memory, educating her community and fighting for the future.

“Michael Landon was one of the biggest influences on my life. His death left an enormous void in the lives of those of us who knew him personally, but also those who simply admired his work. And years later, when I found out Patrick was diagnosed, I was very scared for him,” Gilbert said. “Of course, this is not a fight I can take on alone, and that is why I am so grateful to PanCAN. PanCAN is truly a unique resource for people whose lives have been impacted by pancreatic cancer.”

“Like so many others, I grew up watching Michael Landon and Melissa Gilbert on Little House on the Prairie, so it is a great honor to be able to work with Melissa, Nicole and their company on this initiative,” said Julie Fleshman, JD, MBA, President and CEO of PanCAN. “We are so grateful to her and for this opportunity to pay tribute to both Michael and Patrick by raising awareness and money to make progress for pancreatic cancer patients.”

The Modern Prairie x PanCAN capsule collection will launch today, ushering in the start of Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month in November while also marking a significant milestone: the 50th anniversary of the hit series Little House on the Prairie this fall. This special product collection includes hats for women and children, a set of three pocket squares, a signature cake tote, a cozy throw and a versatile tote bag – all with a beautiful purple print, the color that symbolizes pancreatic cancer awareness.

Pancreatic cancer remains one of the most difficult cancers to prevent, diagnose and treat. Because the risk factors and symptoms are unclear, most people with pancreatic cancer are diagnosed at a late stage, when their tumor is no longer operable, leaving these patients with few treatment options. In 2024, an estimated 66,440 Americans will be diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, and 51,750 are projected to die from the disease that year. Current estimates suggest the disease will be the second leading cause of cancer-related death in the United States before 2030. The five-year survival rate is only 13% – no other major cancer has a five-year survival rate of less than 20%.

To educate her community about pancreatic cancer, Melissa will host a workshop with Lynn Matrisian, PhD, MBA, Chief Scientific Officer of PanCAN, on November 14th at 9:00 a.m. PT/noon ET on the Modern Prairie platform about the risks and symptoms of pancreatic cancer will talk about the disease and what you should know if you or a loved one is diagnosed. Register here for free.

A long-time supporter of pancreatic cancer awareness, Gilbert participated in PanCAN PurpleStride, the ultimate walk to eradicate pancreatic cancer, with her team Prairie Strong in 2022 to raise funds and awareness. Her connection to Landon and Swayze was deeply personal. Landon, who portrayed her father “Pa Ingalls” in the acclaimed series, also served as a fatherly figure in her real life, offering support after the loss of her own father. Gilbert's collaboration with Swayze in the 2007 Broadway musical “Prairie” further underscores their close bond. The collection is a meaningful extension of Gilbert's commitment to pancreatic cancer research and her ongoing efforts to honor her deceased friends.

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About PanCAN
The Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCAN) is a leader in accelerating critical progress for patients with pancreatic cancer. PanCAN is taking bold action by funding life-saving research, providing personalized patient services, and building a community of supporters and volunteers who will stop at nothing to create a world where all pancreatic cancer patients thrive. For more information about the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network and its urgent mission to save lives, visit pancan.org or follow PanCAN on TwitterInstagram and Facebook.

About modern prairie
Modern Prairie's mission is to help women (re)discover their confidence and overcome feelings of isolation by fostering a warm, supportive community. Women can come together to share their stories, get advice, shop and learn from each other in an environment that celebrates their unique voices and achievements. Modern Prairie is committed to empowering women's perspectives and connecting them with others who are driving meaningful change in their lives and communities.

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