September 14, 2009 - Patrick Swayze died

SEPTEMBER 14, 2009 – Actor/singer/songwriter/dancer PATRICK SWAYZE (b. August 18, 1952 in Houston, Texas as Patrick Wayne Swayze) died with family at his side at age 57, 20 months after being diagnosed. Swayze’s publicist confirmed to CNN that he had died of pancreatic cancer. He was cremated and his ashes scattered over his New Mexico ranch. He was survived by his wife Lisa Niemi, his mother Patsy Swayze, and three siblings.

Swayze appeared on the ABC, NBC, and CBS simulcast of “Stand Up to Cancer” in September 2008, to appeal to the general public for donations for the initiative. Swayze said to a standing ovation “I dream that the word ‘cure’ will no longer be followed by the words ‘it’s impossible’. Together, we can make a world where cancer no longer means living with fear, without hope, or worse.” After the show ended, Swayze remained onstage and talked to other cancer patients; executive producer Laura Ziskin (herself battling advanced breast cancer, which would claim her own life) said, “He said a beautiful thing: ‘I’m just an individual living with cancer.’ That’s how he wants to be thought of. He’s in a fight, but he’s a fighter.” On December 2, 2008, Swayze denied claims made by tabloids that the cancer had spread to his liver.Swayze told Barbara Walters in January 2009 that he wanted the media to report that he was “kicking it.” When Walters asked him if he was using any holistic or alternative methods of treatment besides the chemotherapy, Swayze said he was using some Chinese herbs. He then voiced his opposition to the unsupported claims made by proponents of alternative therapies.