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PRIMETIME
Air Date: Wednesday, April 09, 2008
Time Slot: 10:00 PM-11:00 PM EST on ABC
Episode Title: "THE LAST LECTURE - A STORY FOR YOUR LIFE"
[NOTE: The following article is a press release issued by the aforementioned network and/or company. Any errors, typos, etc. are attributed to the original author. The release is reproduced solely for the dissemination of the enclosed information.]

"PRIMETIME" PRESENTS "THE LAST LECTURE: A LOVE STORY FOR YOUR LIFE," WITH DIANE SAWYER, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 9 ON ABC

How One Man is Reaching Millions of People Around the World and Giving Them New Hope to Live a Better Life

Diane Sawyer reports on Carnegie Mellon Professor Randy Pausch, who was diagnosed with terminal pancreatic cancer last August, and on his "last lecture" which has become an internet phenomenon viewed by millions of people. Sawyer talks candidly with the 47-year-old professor about the impact and lessons learned from his now famous college speech, his life since his diagnosis and his new book, The Last Lecture. Sawyer also speaks with his wife, Jai, and meets their three young children. Additionally, people from across the country talk with ABC News about how his words have changed their lives. The Diane Sawyer special airs on "Primetime," WEDNESDAY, APRIL 9 (10:00-11:00 p.m., ET) on the ABC Television Network. Viewers can see advance clips of show at http://www.abcnews.com/lastlecture.

Doctors gave Pausch three to six months to live after being diagnosed last August. A month later he delivered a heartfelt speech full of inspiring life lessons and wisdom to a packed audience of Carnegie Mellon students, colleagues and friends. The lecture he gave -- "Really Achieving Your Childhood Dreams" -- is an internet sensation that millions of people have found uplifting, moving and funny. He shares his life lessons with Sawyer, telling stories about how he has followed his own advice to "never lose the childlike wonder" and "never break a promise."

Pausch recounts his life journey with deep gratitude and unforgettable values, including the importance of overcoming obstacles and breaking down what he calls "brick walls." For the first time, his wife speaks candidly with Sawyer about her first impression of her husband, about getting the devastating news that he was going to die, and how they're living each day with purpose.

The magic of Randy Pausch inspires people to be braver, stronger and happier. Whether a beauty queen or a breast cancer survivor, many people have made simple changes in their daily lives while others have made life-altering decisions because of his words. In Oregon, one woman diagnosed with a terminal disease tells "Primetime" she packed up and moved across the country to be near her grandchildren because she wants to be remembered as the fun grandmother. Pausch tells Sawyer that nothing makes him happier than the unexpected ways people have taken his lecture to heart.

David Sloan is the executive producer of "Primetime." Jessica Velmans is the senior producer.

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