In a public plea plastered on the pages of Sunday’s edition of The Washington Post, cancer-stricken actor Patrick Swayze asked Congress to help his – and 1.4 million other Americans’ – fight against serious disease by granting $10 billion in medical research funds to the National Institutes of Health.

Over the weekend, The Post published “I’m Battling Cancer. How About Some Help, Congress?,” a personal account penned by Patrick, who is battling pancreatic cancer.

“For me, fighting cancer is personal. Ever since I was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in January 2008, I’ve been waging an intense, often hellacious battle. It’s me (with a lot of love and medical support) against my disease,” The Beast actor wrote.

“But I’m not alone. More than 1.4 million Americans will be diagnosed with cancer this year. In the United States, one out of three women and one out of two men will be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetimes. Look around you; at one point or another, cancer will strike very close to home for everyone,” Swayze added.

“Our individual battles should also be national ones. With Congress about to decide how much money to include for medical research as part of the economic stimulus package, the time has come to take my personal fight to a larger stage.”

He continued, “My message to our senators and representatives is simple: Vote for the maximum funding to let the National Institutes of Health fight cancer and other life-threatening illnesses. It’s not only good for our nation’s health; it’s also good for our economic well-being. Medical research supports jobs and infrastructure. By advancing good health, it also enables Americans to reach their individual potential and contribute more to society.”

“So here’s my plea to Congress: Stand up to cancer. Stand up for people fighting serious disease. Stand up and help restore America’s economy,” Swayze added. “Stand up and help build a prosperous and healthy future for our people by giving the NIH $10 billion for research. Stand up to create jobs, fight illness and deliver hope.”