Sarah Ballog-Smith, a loving daughter, mother and wife honors the memory of her dad Al year-round by raising money for research and participating in Hirshberg events. Her dad has been her inspiration to run the LA Marathon with the Hirshberg Training Team (HTT) for five consecutive years 2019-2023, to fundraise on Facebook and form a teams for the LACC and Tour de Pier.Since 2019, she has raised over $25,500.00 as part of HTT and has raised thousands more with the support of family and friends.

Below is the story she shared prior to her second marathon in 2020. Sarah remains an active HTT alumnus to this day.

By: Sarah Ballog-Smith

I am so excited to announce that I will once again be running the Los Angeles Marathon as a member of the Hirshberg Training Team in 2020! As many of you know from my Facebook posts, I LOVE the Hirshberg Foundation for Pancreatic Cancer Research and everything they do in the fight against pancreatic cancer.

I joined the HTT last year, and it has truly changed my life. Prior to joining the team, the most I’d ever run was a 5k (really!). Since October of 2018, I’ve completed 5 half marathons, 1 full marathon, logged over 700 training miles, and am gearing up to complete another 26.2 miles on March 8, 2020… but I need all the support I can get to help me cross that finish line.

In addition to completing the iconic Stadium to the Sea run, I have given myself another huge challenge… to BEAT my fundraising total from last year… which was EPIC thanks to all my generous friends and family out there. I am determined to raise at least $5,500 this season, but I can’t do it without your help.

As many of you know, my amazing father Al was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer back in 2014. He was treated at the Hirshberg Center at UCLA and fought the fight every step of the way. Due to the grim nature of pancreatic cancer, he passed away in May of 2016. I miss him so much and not a day goes by that I not reminded of him in some way – his warm smile, his huge hugs, his great laugh, his love of sports, and so many more things. Running has helped connect me to him and remind me what an amazing runner and athlete he was, having completed numerous marathons himself back in the day. I know he would be so proud of what I have accomplished thus far and the new goals I have set for myself. I feel him there with me on every training run cheering me, saying just keep moving, one foot in front of the other.

Although my dad is my main motivation, I am doing this for more than just him. Since his passing, I have lost 2 of my fellow Los Angeles County District Attorney colleagues, as well as the brother of a colleague, to pancreatic cancer. And one of my dear friends from high school has also been affected, as her wonderful mother was also diagnosed and is fighting the fight. I am running this marathon for them and for their family members who have dealt with/are dealing with this horrible disease. Please help me show them the love!

Thank you SO MUCH for your help – every dollar makes a difference!

Throughout April, as part of National Minority Health Month, the Hirshberg Foundation has shared an important message of unity while providing critical information for those disproportionately impacted by pancreatic cancer. We’ve touched on genetics for Ashkenazi Jews and the high risks associated with chronic health conditions like diabetes for African Americans. Even as this month comes to a close, we will know it’s crucial that we continue to provide new information on this topic, discuss the risk factors and share personal stories to raise awareness year-round.

Together, we must be united in this fight because when pancreatic cancer impacts one group, it impacts us all. Share this information and resources with family, friends, neighbors and co-workers so that no one faces pancreatic cancer alone. Several fearless survivors, caregivers, family members, volunteers and event participants have also joined us in our efforts to elevate this conversation. They have generously shared their perspectives and stories to shine a light on this topic.

SURVIVOR Donald and Wife Carolyn

Read Story

SURVIVOR Dr. Norm and family

Read Story

“My husband’s pancreatic cancer was discovered by an Upper Endoscopic Ultrasound. I do not recall being informed or having a conversation that we may be at a higher risk because of our ethnic background. I think it’s very important that it be discussed more. I would like to see it be part of a checklist and gently approached by asking or informing minorities who are at high risk for pancreatic cancer. My words of inspiration to communities, families and other survivors of color is to have hope and live one day at a time. Also, Be Persistent. My husband went to the Doctor with symptoms in February and was not diagnosed until June after many tests and a hospitalization.”
-Addie
LACC Team Captain

“After the loss of my mother I became more aware of the risk as an African American and how important it is to seek help. High blood pressure is prevalent in my family history. As well as different forms of cancer. I feel a need to express to people of color how pancreatic cancer can go undiagnosed if certain health issues are not presented to physicians. My mother decided to keep silent, and because of that it’s truly been a loss and a deep hole missing from my heart. Her cancer could have been prevented.”
-James
LACC Team Captain

“I was 18 years old at the time my mom was diagnosed but I believe she was feeling sick for a while. Shining a light on the topic of high-risk groups is meaningful to me because maybe this information could have saved my mother’s life 18 years ago. It could help save the life of someone who is battling pancreatic cancer and/or showing early symptoms now. I think healthcare professionals should be prepared to spend more time on marginalized groups and facilitate information for them. It’s important to not just talk but act…this is a step in the right direction.”
Alicia
HTT Member & LACC Team Captain

My symptoms started back in 2008 when I felt tired all the time. I thought it was because I was working a lot of hours. It hit me when I was driving home one day, and it took me 3 hours to get home. That’s because I had pulled over and fell asleep. It took me weeks before I told my wife and that’s when I went to the doctor.

Once I saw the doctor and tests were run, I was told I have cancer. However, my doctor doesn’t specialize in cancer, so I was referred to another doctor who ran more tests and discovered I have Neuroendocrine Tumors (Carcinoid Cancer). That doctor didn’t have a clue of what to do. As far as I was concerned the clock was ticking. With a lot of prayers and our own research we found a doctor who was a specialist in Carcinoid Cancer. He told me that I have the same cancer that Steve Jobs had, where it started on the tip of the pancreas and the tumors moved to my liver.

It was never said to me I was high risk because of my race but I was told many people are misdiagnosed. I think shining a light on this topic only once a month is not enough to help people no matter what their ethnicity. I look at all of us as God’s children and iron sharpens iron. I’m also blessed to have a family who cares and pushes me to continue the fight.

I’ve met many people since my journey began. I’ve heard their stories and most people don’t do any research for themselves and you know the results. There is a lot of information out there and people need to do their research and then reach out to organizations for help. I realize that health care is a major factor for cancer. I didn’t do any research on genetics or ethnicity specifically because that really didn’t matter after I was told I have cancer.

I’ve been to many meetings about pancreatic cancer and how it can branch out to other physical problems. I’ve felt like a raisin in a bowl of rice and I truly don’t understand. I know someone who had pancreatic cancer and they invited me to a luncheon for survivors and caregivers. It was very informative, so I’ve told others about Hirshberg Foundation. I’ve been to 2 affairs and just to hear other people talk about living with cancer is support to me. There is a lot of help and support out there and you have to drop your color barrier because cancer is like a bullet it has no name on it. We’re all in this together.

In March of 2019, Julie Weiss, the “Marathon Goddess,” embarked on a new campaign, 52 Races for 52 Faces, in partnership with the Hirshberg Foundation, to shine a light on pancreatic cancer. On March 8, 2020, a year of races wrapped up with Julie’s incredible finish at the LA Marathon. Running for the Hirshberg Training Team, she ran her 109th marathon to date. That evening, at our team’s celebration dinner, we reflected on the incredible dedications made over the past year and Julie’s incredible journey.

Participating in full and half marathons, 10K’s and 5K’s, Julie has run for pancreatic cancer survivors of all ages and backgrounds. She’s run for 10+ year survivors, for fathers and mothers, for a Congressman and Supreme Court Justice, for a veteran and female triathlete, for loved ones lost too soon and for a community fighting to cure this devastating disease. The past year has included both triumphs and trying moments for Julie as she’s pounded the pavement across the United States, all in the name of pancreatic cancer. By the end of this journey, Julie had raced in 8 different states (California, Massachusetts, Nevada, New Jersey, Washington DC, Illinois, Hawaii, and Washington) and collectively helped fundraise over $275,000 for the Hirshberg Foundation!

She’s crossed the final finish line for the 52 Races for 52 Faces campaign but the stories shared will never be forgotten. Thanks to all who of you who have helped make 52 Races for 52 Faces possible, by making runner dedications or giving donations, by cheering for Julie in person or following her journey online. Together, we will continue to fund research for a cure, to shine a light on survivors and will never give up.

This year, you can be participate in the LA Marathon without running a mile, let alone 26.2 miles! The Tour De Pier Pop-Up Presented by CycleBar Santa Monica– a new one-of-a-kind outdoor stationary cycling event – gives your front row access to all the action of the LA Marathon course while fundraising for cancer.

On Sunday, March 8, 2020, CycleBar Santa Monica and the Hirshberg Foundation for Pancreatic Cancer Research, an official charity of the LA Marathon, will host a fundraising event sure to energize and inspire runners and riders alike. CycleBar Santa Monica will bring their heart-pumping excitement with three 60-minute outdoor classes at 9:00am, 10:15am and 11:30am taught by the studio’s most popular teachers. Participants may ride one or more of the sessions.

Participants will get a taste of Tour De Pier, the award-winning outdoor stationary cycling cancer fundraiser that raised more than $1.5 million for cancer organizations last year. This unique opportunity to work up a sweat outside of the spin studio also affords a great view of the over 25,000 marathoners who pass by mile 21. For $95 per session, you reserve your spot on a bike, get a sweet participant swag bag, and be able to high-five runners as they pass!

The Tour De Pier Pop-Up Presented by CycleBar Santa Monica will take place at the Hirshberg Foundation’s official cheer station, the Purple People Party located on the median strip on San Vicente Blvd along mile 21 of the Los Angeles Marathon. Aptly named for the color of pancreatic cancer awareness, the cheer station is one of the most popular and energetic spots on the course. Volunteers, families, cancer survivors and spectators come to the Purple People Party to celebrate marathon day, enjoy music, hand out healthy treats, and cheer and energize runners on their way to the finish line.

Only 26 bikes will be available for each session and this is one ride you don’t want to miss.

Reserve your bike now!

Not riding? Make a donation! Support a rider and cancer research when you visit, support.pancreatic.org/TDP-PopUp2020.

Through a special partnership with our friends at California Pizza Kitchen (CPK) we’re making it easy to give back every time you dine out with a Philanthopizza Card!

Every time you use your Philanthropizza card, 20%* of your food & beverage purchases will be donated to the Hirshberg Foundation.

It’s easy – the more you visit CPK, the more money they donate to help fund research. All you need to do is present the Philanthropizza card to your server when you pay. Whether you dine in, take-out or have CPK cater your next event, your meal makes a difference.

Request your cards today »

The Philanthropizza Card is valid at the following CPK locations: Beverly Hills, Brentwood, Studio City, Pasadena, Encino, Glendale, Santa Anita, 7th Street LA, Westwood, Hollywood, Culver City or Century City from October 19, 2019 through June 1, 2020.

*Tax, gratuity, gift card and retail purchases excluded