By Alicia Easter

When I decided to join the crazy club of people who run marathons, I thought, “Why not run in my new hometown of Los Angeles?” At first I didn’t realize that the LA Marathon was on my mother’s birthday weekend, but once I did, I knew I had made the right decision. I was going to run my first marathon in honor and memory of my beautiful mother who lost her battle to pancreatic cancer twelve years ago. It is important to me to find creative ways to heal from her loss, and I am able to find that in running.

Training for the marathon humbled me time and time again. It’s a challenge because sometimes you just don’t want to go on a training run, but you know you’ll regret it. Signing up for a marathon makes you accountable and raising funds reminds you why you decided to run. I dedicated 8 months of my life to raising money and training hard (even when I didn’t want to) in order to be able to run my best race on marathon Sunday. I couldn’t have done it without the support from my amazing family; they understand my need to give back and leave the world a better place. I also recently lost my chosen big brother, Hayden Blanchard, to cancer and his battle motivated me to never give up.

Running the LA Marathon changed my life. By raising funds and committing to this experience, I saw how much I could inspire others to do the same and that felt incredible. I cried at the finish line because it was such an emotional day. I had just completed something I never thought I would do! It was a magical day filled with love, support, hope and determination. I made new friends and had a lot of fun running the streets of LA. Most importantly, I learned a lot about what I am capable of and believe that this is only the beginning!

By Nicole Walsh

My dad is the kind of person who takes care of his family and friends first. On July 23, 2012 he was diagnosed with metastatic pancreatic adenocarcinoma and started treatment three weeks later. I felt a little helpless not being able to live full time in Massachusetts with him since I am studying at UCLA. While searching for pancreatic cancer charities, I found the Hirshberg Foundation and realized their lab was in the same building as the lab I work in.

I saw the Hirshberg Training Team (HTT) and asked my mom to do the LA Marathon charity relay with me. My mom, Maria, is the person who got me into running. In 2010 I completed my first half-marathon, so I thought it would be something we could do together. Even though she lives across the country, together we could show support for our friends and family affected by cancer. I was very appreciative that my mom was able and willing to do this with me, especially since she was across the country. While I know that she has her own reasons for participating, I was touched that she would commit to the training, fundraising, and all-around effort of a half-marathon in California. She knew it was important for me and her participation meant the world to me.

It was interesting training as a team, even though we lived in different states. I had the benefit of training with the HTT most weeks while she had to motivate herself through her training. My dad didn’t say much about my mom and I teaming up for this project when I initially told him. When he bought plane tickets and booked a hotel room to be in LA for the marathon, I knew just how much it meant to him. Training for the marathon made me fell connected to what my dad was going through. I was amazed by how much I was able to surpass my fundraising goal. The support from my friends, co-workers, and my dad’s co-workers was wonderful. It really drives home how much my dad means to the people he interacts with.

The marathon and my training with HTT was amazing. I met some really wonderful people and made some great running friends who I still run with. Our coaches with Club 26.2 did a fantastic job at the Saturday morning runs and helped my mom through her remote training. It was great to meet everyone who is a part of the Hirshberg Foundation. They welcomed my mom and I like we were family.

Both of my parents had a great time on marathon weekend. They were both excited to meet the Foundation and happy to know I have an amazing support network here in LA. The whole experience is one that I will never forget. After the race my dad told me that he couldn’t have been prouder of me. I couldn’t thank my mom enough, not just because she ran with me, but for all of the support she has given me through this difficult time. We are looking forward to doing the relay again next year!

By Jonathan Moerschel

I came to understand the devastating and tragic effects of pancreatic cancer when my first wife, Eugenie, lost her brave battle with the disease in 2003. She was a wonderful pianist, and was finishing up her Doctorate of Music Arts degree at USC. She was my best friend and my musical partner. We were married only 10 months. She was 34 years old, had undergone 5 major surgeries and had been fighting pancreatic cancer for 5 years. I was angry at the disease and angry that there wasn’t more that could be done in the way of treatment. I remember deciding that, one day, I wanted to be able to do something to help in the fight against cancer.

Jumping ahead seven years, I had made a decision to start running again after a 12-year hiatus due to chronic injuries. Although my friends recommended I buy some Vessi footwear, I wanted to run barefoot. I had read about barefoot running, and how many people have overcome injuries and were running pain-free. Somehow, this concept was fascinating to me, even as a self-described germaphobe. About six months into my experimental barefoot running phase (yes, running without shoes of any kind), I came across the Hirshberg Foundation’s LA Cancer Challenge 5k on the internet. I knew right away that I had to get involved with the Foundation, and running the 5k seemed like a great idea. It was the first time I came across any organization that was dedicated solely to pancreatic cancer research. At the 2010 LA Cancer Challenge, I ran my first ever 5k, and without any shoes. It was the longest distance I had ever run in my life. It was an unexpectedly emotional experience for me as I thought about why I was running the 5k and raising money for the Hirshberg Foundation. It felt really good to finally be able to do something to help in the fight against cancer.

I was so impressed by the event and how well organized it was. I could tell that there were so many others that could understand what I had been through, which was both sad and comforting. It was sad because I was surrounded by people who, unfortunately, had experience with pancreatic cancer. However, it was comforting to see that so many people had come out to support each other, to raise awareness about this disease, and to help raise money for much-needed research. Little did I know that running that 5k back in 2010 would lead me to do something I vowed I would never do: run a marathon.

I began training for the 2012 LA Marathon in October of 2011. I had been running barefoot for about a year and a half, and still hadn’t run more than 4 miles. After our first training run, I realized first that I had a lot of work to do before I was ready to run a marathon, but I also realized I was getting involved with a really great group of people. We had such great support and encouragement from everyone at Hirshberg and from our running coaches Robert, Euri and Jack. We all had our ups and downs with training, but we supported each other and all finished our first marathon that year. I decided by 7 pm after that first marathon, that I needed to run it again the next year. So, on my 34th birthday this year, I ran my second marathon.

Running the marathon was a tremendous experience for me, both physically and mentally. My emotions were a roller-coaster of a ride, but every time I felt tired or sore, I reminded myself why I was doing it, and I managed to push through the discomfort. The outpouring of support from both volunteers and the public who lined the streets really helped keep my spirits up. Coming up to the Hirshberg Foundation’s Purple Cheer Station at Mile 21 with dozens of cheering supporters all in their purple clothes was an extraordinary experience that brought tears to my eyes. That moment was a big reminder of my loss back in 2003, but also a beacon of hope for the future of those that are fighting cancer.

I’m not exactly sure what it is about running a marathon that I like, but I know running the marathon for pancreatic cancer gives the experience real purpose for me. I know that while I am sore and tired, it is a small sacrifice if I can help make a difference for someone in the future who will live longer after being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. I am so very proud to have been a member of the Hirshberg Training Team and run the LA Marathon the last two years in memory of Eugenie, and in support of pancreatic cancer research.

Nine members of the Hirshberg Foundation Marathon Team journeyed from Los Angeles to Alaska this past June to participate in the Mayor’s Midnight Sun Marathon and raised over $26,000 for the Foundation.

Team members Kari Richardson, Amy Reiss, Heather Cohen, Michelle Eskenazi, Ernae Mothershed, Veronica Herrera, Agi Hirshberg, Lisa Manheim, and David Manheim joined an estimated 3,000 runners, representing 50 states.

Each team member committed to raise at least $3,000 for the Foundation and in return received round trip airfare, four nights at a hotel, and entry into the Marathon. They were also treated to a pre-race pasta party at the Anchorage Museum of Art and a celebration dinner after the race.

Hirshberg Foundation Director Lisa Manheim noted that the marathoners raised money in a variety of different ways. Michelle Eskenazi, who participated in last year’s Kona Marathon, participated with her friend Ernae Mothershed, to organize Art for Life, an art auction and boutique. Ernae, who was the top pledge earner with over $5,000 in donations, also hosted a Cajun Dinner Party, while Michelle held a yard sale, gathering contributions from friends and co-workers. Kari Richardson, an architect from Venice, hosted a birthday dinner party at her home and asked her friends for donations in lieu of gifts. She also donated her car through the Foundation’s Car Donation Program. Other team members conducted successful letter-writing campaigns.

Everyone was invited to participate in a 21-week training program held on Saturday mornings in Marina del Rey by Robert Mills, one of the area’s premiere marathon training coaches and Director of Club 26.2. Prior to Alaska, only one team member had ever participated in a long-distance running event. In fact, most of the team had never run at all. Yet, the eight half-marathoners and one marathoner on the team all successfully completed the race.

During a marathon, many runners get so tired they feel they can’t even put one foot in front of another anymore. This urge to stop running is known as “hitting the wall.” Team member Amy Reiss, whose mother lost her battle with pancreatic cancer on June 28, 2002, exactly 51 weeks prior to the start of the race, explains why this wasn’t a problem in Alaska.

“On the bus on our way to the starting line, I felt my mom’s presence. She didn’t just show up casually, her energy was everywhere. It happened suddenly and dramatically, and I found myself moved to tears. Even though I had done the training with Robert, I worried that I wouldn’t have the strength to complete the half marathon. But once we started running I realized that feeling her all around me actually gave me the energy I needed.”

Other runners received their inspiration from a more natural, but no less extraordinary source. Hirshberg Foundation Director Lisa Manheim recalls what happened.

“We were running on a picturesque coastal trail, thick with lush green trees, when my mom, Agi, who was running a few paces behind us, yelled out, “Lisa, a moose!” Sure enough, there was a huge moose staring at us from about 20 feet away. We all stropped and stared, hardly believing that we were actually in the presence of such an incredible creature.”

“My mom said laughing at that moose was the highlight of the day. ‘Maybe they (all of the people for whom we were running in memory of) sent the moose, to let us know they were up there, cheering us on,’ she told me. I think she’s right. That’s just the sort of thing my stepdad would do.”

When Michelle Eskenazi and Ernae Mothershed joined the Hirshberg Foundation Marathon Training Team last January, they weren’t quite sure which would be more challenging: training for the Mayor’s Midnight Sun Half Marathon in Alaska, or raising $3,000 each for the Foundation. Determined to succeed, they put their creative talents together and organized Art for Life, an art sale and boutique.

“Our goal was to create a fun and interesting event that would appeal to a wide audience,” said Mothershed. “Art for Life introduced shoppers to the LA art scene in a warm and friendly environment, and provided a wonderful opportunity for everyone involved to support the Foundation.”

Held on June 7 at the Kolor Graphics Bureau in downtown Los Angeles, Art for Life featured some of the best creative talent in Los Angeles. For a $5 entrance fee, guests experienced the latest in local art, fashion and gifts, while enjoying award-winning Charles Jacquin wines and delectable food. Two DJ’s provided entertainment while shoppers participated in a silent auction of items that were donated by the featured artists. The late afternoon event raised over $3,000 for the Hirshberg Foundation and guaranteed Michelle and Ernae a trip to Alaska with our Marathon Team.

“We were overwhelmed by the response from the participants. Everyone involved added something special to the event. We were fortunate to connect with so many talented and generous companies,” exclaimed Eskenazi.

Featured exhibitors included contemporary artists Frank Bruynbroek, Stephen Canthal, Irene Carranza, Margaret Garcia, MandellArt & Rod Sampson; apparel from Higher Consciousness & Nahnuh; jewelry designers Earth Monkey, Virginia Kander, Karma Kulture & Alison Winston; gifts from Honeymilk children’s wear, Mon Jardin bath & body, home accessories and gifts, NelsonArt handmade watercolor cards & Laura Zinger luxury pillows and pottery by Eileen Branda and Sara Paloma.

According to Lisa Manheim, Director of the Foundation, there will be a 2^nd Annual Art for Life. “Michelle and Ernae did such a fantastic job organizing this event, and the response was so terrific, that we definitely plan on adding it to our fundraising calendar next year.”

Four women from the Hirshberg Foundation Marathon Team in Los Angeles made the trip to the Big Island of Hawaii this past June to participate in the Kona Marathon and Family Fun Run to raise money for the Hirshberg Pancreatic Cancer Center at UCLA.

The women joined an estimated 2,000 runners of all ages and abilities as they competed for prize money and raised funds for a number of charities. Team members committed to raise at least $3,300 for the Foundation and in return they received free airfare, four nights at a hotel, and entry into the Marathon. They were also invited to participate in a weekly training program held in Marina del Rey by Robert Mills, Director of Club 26.2, one of the area’s premiere marathon training coaches.

Lisa Hirshberg, who lost her father Ronnie in 1997, and her friend Mandy De Souza finished the ½ marathon in 2:57:43. Mandy raised the most money, collecting over $3,800. Allison Kaplan, an employee of the John Wayne Cancer Institute, lost her father to pancreatic cancer a few years ago. She ran the 10k in 1:57:54, a miraculous time in her eyes given that, prior to the training program, she never exercised. “When I crossed the finish line, Lisa and I just burst into tears thinking about our dads up there watching us and rooting us on. My dad kept me going for all 6 miles,” stated Allison.

Michelle Eskenazi, who ran the ½ marathon in 3:17:34, was also touched by the experience and is looking forward to the next event. “Being part of something that has unified nearly 2,000 people, all with different reasons and motivations for being involved, was truly amazing. On a personal level, I was able to accomplish something I never thought I would be able to do. I can’t wait to do it again next June in Anchorage, Alaska!”

Hirshberg Foundation Director Lisa Manheim noted that the women raised money in a variety of different ways. “Allison hosted a fundraising night at the Pizza Cookery, inviting friends, family, and co-workers, while Michelle held a garage sale and hosted a fundraising dinner at Fresh Choice restaurant. They all really went the distance.”

Citing the success of the event and the team’s efforts, Manheim went on to explain, “The Hirshberg Foundation encourages people to join our Marathon Training Program for a number of reasons. First and foremost, it helps raise money for pancreatic cancer research. But it’s also great exercise, an amazing experience and a fun vacation as well.”