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Swayze Joins Cancer Telethon

Celebrities touched by cancer join historic 3-network telethon

By Rob Quinn, Newser Staff

Posted Sep 6, 2008 6:48 AM CDT

(Newser) – Dozens of Hollywood's finest got together for a historic hour-long, three-network telethon in support of cancer research last night, reports AP. They included cancer survivors Elizabeth Edwards, Christina Applegate and Lance Armstrong, among several others, who made passionate pleas for funding to fight the disease. Cancer kills 550,000 Americans and 6 million worldwide each year—"the equivalent of 9/11 every two days," said Armstrong.

John McCain and Barack Obama also outlined their plans to support cancer research. Patrick Swayze, making his first TV appearance since being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, received a standing ovation. "I dream of a day when everyone diagnosed will be fortunate to have hope," said Swayze. "I dream the word 'cure' will no longer be followed by the words: 'It's impossible.'"

[Images (4)]

[Videos (1)]

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Singer Melissa Etheridge, who battled breast cancer, arrives for the Stand Up to Cancer benefit at the Kodak Theater in Los Angeles yesterday. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)

Actress Abigail Breslin arrives for the Stand Up to Cancer benefit at the Kodak Theater in Los Angeles yesterday. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)

Actor Patrick Swayze attends Stand Up To Cancer at The Kodak Theatre yesterday in Hollywood. (Getty Images)

Patrick Swayze attends Stand Up To Cancer at the Kodak Theatre in Hollywood yesterday. (Getty Images)

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Stars sing 'Stand Up To Cancer.' (Aapiejj)

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Cancer is not in the closet anymore, and now that it's out of the closet we have to motivate the public to demand that as a country we do better.
- Producer and cancer survivor Laura Ziskin

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Swayze Joins Cancer Telethon