Stand Up To Cancer

Harvey Pekar
Comic book author and cancer survivor Harvey Pekar passed away on July 12 from unknown causes. Pekar wrote his first comic strip in 1972 and published a graphic novel, "Our Cancer Year," in 1994 detailing his personal battle with lymphoma. His autobiographical series "American Splendor" was made into a film in 2003 and received an Oscar nomination for Best Adapted Screenplay. "Harvey was one of the most compassionate and empathetic human beings I've ever met," said actor Paul Giamatti, who played him in the film. "He had a huge brain and an even bigger soul. And he was hilarious. He was a great artist, a true American poet, and there is no one to replace him."
http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-504763_162-20010313-10391704.html

Jennifer Saunders
English actress and star of "Absolutely Fabulous" Jennifer Saunders has completed treatment for breast cancer and is now in remission. After her diagnosis in 2009, she decided to keep her condition private. "We're all thrilled for her, and very proud of her, for having won the battle..." said friend and fellow actress Joanna Lumley.
http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-31749_162-20010090-10391698.html

Walter Hawkins
Grammy Award-winning gospel singer, composer and pastor Walter Hawkins has passed away at the age of 61 after a battle with pancreatic cancer. "Today, I lost my brother, my pastor, and my best friend," said Edwin Hawkins. "Bishop Hawkins suffered bravely but now he will suffer no more and he will be greatly missed."
http://www.ktla.com/news/landing/ktla-walter-hawkins-obit,0,1874446.story

Neal Benson
Prostate cancer survivor Neal Benson is encouraging others to receive the PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen) test after the age of 50. He participated in this year's Pros8K run in Eugene, Oregon, and hopes the members of his community will take advantage of free screenings being offered at a local clinic. "Everyone has a family - wife, children, brothers, sisters. Why should you deprive them of spending time with you? It doesn't make sense to me," said Benson. "I want to see my daughter get married next year. I want to see my grandchildren. Why would I want to deprive myself and my family of that?"
http://kezi.com/news/local/181031