On Saturday, November 8, the Hirshberg Foundation, in conjunction with Cancer Support Community South Bay (CSC), hosted A Day of Wellness, for pancreatic cancer patients and their caregivers. The day offered education, connection, and healing, empowering participants to care for both body and mind throughout the cancer journey.
The morning began with two groups, patients and caregivers, meeting separately for intimate and supportive conversations. Guided by facilitators, each group shared experiences, challenges, and coping strategies in a safe and understanding environment.
Amy Brandenberger, a pancreatic cancer patient, wrote, “it took me by surprise how much I got out of being in a room with other survivors as we all shared our stories. I felt a kind of companionship with these people that makes this pancreatic cancer journey feel less lonely. We are all so vulnerable, this disease strips us of so many things, and being in a room with others in the same situation felt like a nice big group hug.”
Next, attendees came together for an engaging and informative Q&A with UCLA’s Sidharth R. Anand, MD, MB, of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, and Jessica Kaltman, MD, MSHS of Palliative Medicine. Both physicians spoke candidly with participants to address a wide range of questions on chemotherapy, emerging treatments, early detection, and genetic testing. Their thoughtful discussion created a unique space for open dialogue between patients, caregivers, and experts.
Peter Lau, a pancreatic cancer patient, reflected on the experience, “Hearing the different histories and hopeful stories, it was a place where I was able to exhale a relief that I didn’t realize I was carrying. It was nice to be with people face-to-face, bearing both smiles and tears as they spoke of their journeys. I think the best part of the day was realizing how much I don’t know. Although familiar with nutrition, meditation, palliative care, and my own cancer, there was considerable new information that I never thought to ask. It is difficult to truly convey how helpful this seminar was, in so many ways, but I really wish [Hirshberg Foundation] supporters could understand how you are taking the time to give us incredibly helpful tools. I walked away thinking that part of my and others’ journeys have really been easier because of the support of the Hirshberg Foundation.”
The afternoon featured a presentation and demonstration by Shelby Yaceczko, DCN, RDN-AP, CNSC, of UCLA Health. A registered dietitian and expert in oncology nutrition, Shelby shared practical tips for managing changes in taste, supporting digestion, and preparing simple, nourishing meals during and after treatment.
To conclude the day, Nancy Lomibao, MS, LMFT, from CSC, led participants in a mindfulness and meditation session focused on relaxation, resilience, and emotional well-being. Her gentle guidance encouraged attendees to find calm and balance amid the challenges of living with or caring for someone with pancreatic cancer.
Dr. Jessica Kaltman shared the importance of the event, “This kind of community-based support is invaluable. Patients and caregivers often face not only medical challenges but emotional and practical ones as well. Creating a space where they can learn, connect, and be heard is an essential part of comprehensive care.”
“Partnerships like the one we have with Cancer Support Community South Bay make a profound difference for our families. When survivors and caregivers come together, they remind each other that no one is alone in this journey. That sense of connection and shared strength is what our mission is all about,” shared Amy Reiss, the Hirshberg Foundation’s Director of Patient Programs.
The Hirshberg Foundation is deeply grateful to our partners at Cancer Support Community South Bay, to our expert speakers, and to the patients and caregivers who joined us. Together, we created a meaningful space for learning, connection, and healing, a reminder that by supporting one another, we can navigate this journey with hope and resilience.
