Actor Tate Donovan to Help Bladder Cancer Advocacy Network Shine the Spotlight on Bladder Cancer;...

BETHESDA, Md. -- The Bladder Cancer Advocacy Network (BCAN), the first national advocacy organization dedicated to increasing public awareness of bladder cancer announced today that actor Tate Donovan will join the organization as both a national spokesperson and member of the BCAN Board of Directors.

Donovan and his family have been profoundly affected by bladder cancer, the Nation's 5th most common form of cancer with more than 63,000 new patients diagnosed and 13,000 deaths annually. His father, Dr. Timothy Donovan, at the time a retired urologist, died of bladder cancer in 2001. His mother also was diagnosed with early-stage bladder cancer in October 2005.

"For too long bladder cancer has been like an 'orphan' among cancers, and as anyone in my family knows full well, it can be a devastating disease," said Donovan. "In the memory of my father, I'm hopeful I can help BCAN let people know that bladder cancer is real, and that it's time to start talking about it."

Most recently known for his portrayal of the character Jimmy Cooper on the hit television drama "The O.C.", Donovan has appeared in more than 20 movies including "Good Night, and Good Luck" and several theatre productions on and off Broadway. As spokesperson for BCAN, he will appear in educational materials, as well as tell his family's story to the public to help spread awareness about the disease and its symptoms.

Diane Zipursky Quale, BCAN President, expressed her enthusiasm for Donovan's involvement and her appreciation for his offer to come forward. "Like the Donovan family, one of the first things we discovered when bladder cancer struck our family was that there is little knowledge among the public about the causes, symptoms and treatment of bladder cancer. Through BCAN, we hope to address the issue at all levels--and to increase the amount of funding for bladder cancer research. Tate's commitment to serve on our Board of Directors and as a national spokesperson is a true demonstration of his dedication to support bladder cancer awareness. We are thrilled to have him join us as we spread the word among doctors, patients and the general public."

The Bladder Cancer Advocacy Network was created in May 2005 as the first national patient-based advocacy organization for bladder cancer. BCAN's mission is to raise awareness of bladder cancer among the general public and medical community; to advocate for allocation of additional governmental and private funds to research programs directed to the diagnosis, treatment and cure of bladder cancer; and, to work with and provide financial assistance and grants to individuals, corporations and health and medical institutions and associations for bladder cancer research. For more information on BCAN, please go to the web site www.bcan.org or call 301-469-6865.