About Us

Founded in 1997, the Hirshberg Foundation for Pancreatic Cancer Research is a national, nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing pancreatic cancer research, and providing information, resources, and support to pancreatic cancer patients and their families.

Established by Agi Hirshberg, whose husband Ronald died of pancreatic cancer at the age of 54, the Foundation began by funding two projects at the University of California, Los Angeles. The Ronald S. Hirshberg Translational Pancreatic Cancer Research Laboratory and the Ronald S. Hirshberg Chair in Translational Pancreatic Cancer Research were funded with a commitment to support the research programs until the National Institute of Health grant recognition became available.

Our Purpose

The Hirshberg Foundation for Pancreatic Cancer Research is focused on finding a cure for pancreatic cancer, and empowering the patients and families whose lives are touched by this disease. Founded in 1997, the foundation funds groundbreaking scientific research, provides patient education and support, and sustains hope that this cancer will be eradicated once and for all.

To date, the Foundation has:

  • Funded Seed Grant Award Recipients who have received million of dollars in NIH grants
  • Raised more than $35 million for pancreatic cancer research and education
  • Granted over $1.2 million in financial aid for patients
  • Provided assistance to thousands of patients and their families
  • Expanded the Seed Grant Program to 51 Medical Research Institutions domestically and internationally
  • Supported the American Pancreatic Association (APA), Japan Pancreas Society, and the European Pancreatic Club’s Annual Meetings
  • Presented the Agi Hirshberg Symposium at UCLA since 2005, focusing on research progress and patient and family education
  • Funded the creation of the Tissue Data Bank at UCLA
  • Awarded international grants to new investigators
  • Promoted collaboration between investigators from different disciplines for the common goal of the cure
  • Partnered with the World Pancreatic Cancer Coalition

Foundation Commitments:

  • Fund medical symposiums for pancreatic cancer research
  • Fund seed grants for new research projects of merit for pancreatic cancer
  • Host fundraising events to raise awareness and funds for pancreatic cancer
  • Provide financial assistance for patients

The Hirshberg Foundation for Pancreatic Cancer Research is a California charitable non-profit, corporation. It is a tax-exempt organization under Section 501(c)3 of the Internal Revenue Code. The federal tax ID number for the foundation (EIN) is 95- 4640311. All donations are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.

Click here to download 501(c) 3 IRS letter