The Cause

Following Gene Upshaw's sudden death from pancreatic cancer in August of this year, Dante Hall decided it was time to act and bring awareness to this devastating disease. Upshaw was a Hall of Fame guard who served as the director of the NFL Players Association for 25 years.

Not many people realize that pancreatic cancer is the deadliest of all cancers. Of the more than 30,000 people diagnosed with pancreatic cancer each year, 98 percent will die, leaving virtually no survivors. The average life expectancy following diagnosis is a meager three to six months, often accompanied by immeasurable suffering. While only 3 percent of cancer diagnoses are pancreatic, it is astonishingly the fourth leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States . Despite these alarming statistics, many people are not aware of its danger.

To foster much needed research and to generate awareness and urgency about this deadly disease, the Institute for Science and Health has established the Pancreatic Cancer Research Program as a part of its Gastrointestinal Diseases Program Initiative. The Institute for Science and Health is an independent international research organization, federally chartered as a not-for-profit, that works aggressively to extend and preserve human life by applying private and corporate donations to medical/science research and education on challenging health issues that affect millions worldwide.

In addition to pancreatic cancer, tournament proceeds will benefit diabetes research through the Institute for Science and Health. Because Dante's family members have been affected by diabetes, he has seen first-hand the importance of funding research to prevent, cure, and manage the disease.

Dante

Dante Hall is a kick returner, punt returner, and wide receiver for the St. Louis Rams. He was a fifth round draft pick out of Texas A&M University by the Kansas City Chiefs in the 2000 NFL Draft. He was traded by the Chiefs to the St. Louis Rams on April 25, 2007. Dante Hall has established many nicknames including "X-Man", "The X-factor", "The Human Torch" and "The Human Joystick" referring to his agility and speed and has been selected to the Pro Bowl two times.

Information

For more information on the Dante Hall Celebrity Golf Outing contact Jennifer Vitt at 314-291-1880.

Dante Hall Celebrity Golf Outing 2008