Several charities have issued statements regarding Apple founder Steve Jobs, who passed away this week.
The following is a statement in response to the death of Steve Jobs from Julie Fleshman, President and CEO of the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, the national organization fighting pancreatic cancer in a comprehensive way through research, patient support, community outreach and advocacy for a cure.
“We extend our deepest sympathy to the family of Steve Jobs, his friends and colleagues, and the entire Apple community. He was an American icon and among the greatest visionaries of our time, taken too soon.
“While Steve Jobs battled a rare form of pancreatic cancer (pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor), his passing, if due to pancreatic cancer, is a stark reminder of the severity of this deadly cancer and lack of effective treatment options available to patients. Even those with the greatest access to treatments and the highest level of care cannot defeat this insidious disease.
“It’s time to make pancreatic cancer a national priority and give patients a fighting chance. We invite all those inspired by this great man to join the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network in the fight against this devastating disease. We must come together to know, fight and end pancreatic cancer.”
To learn more about the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network and all forms of pancreatic cancer, visit www.pancan.org.
The Lustgarten Foundation, America’s largest private foundation dedicated solely to funding pancreatic cancer research, today offered the following statement concerning the death of Steve Jobs, co-founder of Apple, Inc:
“The Lustgarten Foundation mourns the loss of Steve Jobs. Mr. Jobs personified bravery and vision in both his professional and personal life. While his long, courageous battle with a rare form of pancreatic cancer serves as an inspiration to all people, it also serves as a reminder that more research is urgently needed in order to find a cure. Mr. Jobs taught us that each one of us can make a difference. He was a leader and a fighter and, in that spirit, the Foundation remains committed to continuing the fight against pancreatic cancer. This is a truly immense loss.”
More information about the foundation can be found here.
Even PETA has commented on Steve Jobs death – remembering him for what he did and didn’t do:
“The late Steve Jobs may have been known for his signature black turtleneck, but it is for his green diet that he probably will be most fondly remembered by people who care about animals. The Apple co-founder, who died yesterday, was a vegetarian and a longtime health advocate who reportedly once handed out containers of carrot juice at Halloween.
“We remember Jobs for so many innovative ideas, including Apple’s iPhoto facial recognition software, which recognizes the faces of cats in addition to those of humans, reflecting the importance of companion animals in our homes and hearts. PETA also recently recognized Jobs for what he didn’t do: He refused to sell a gruesome app on Apple’s app store called iSealClub—which involved, as the name suggests, bashing cartoon seals over the head with clubs.
“Let’s also not forget that Jobs’ Pixar film studio created heartwarming and thought-provoking movies about unlikely animal heroes, such as A Bug’s Life and Finding Nemo, and he ended Disney’s 10-year agreement with McDonald’s to promote its films with movie-themed toys in Happy Meals after the entertainment giant merged with Pixar. As the vegetarian sharks in Finding Nemo said, “Fish are friends, not food.” Finding Nemo’s fish-friendly theme earned Pixar an award from PETA, as did Jobs’ other accomplishments that helped change animals’ lives for the better. And if his movies or his lifestyle inspired even one person to become a vegetarian, he no doubt saved hundreds of animals’ lives, and for that we thank him."
