By Sarah Banks

In 2012, we featured a story about Brad Dal Bon and the annual golf tournament his family hosts in memory of both his parents. We are happy to share that just two years later, the Dal Bon Memorial Golf Tournament has raised nearly $30,000! The event has become a tradition and a way for their family to “catch up on a yearly basis.” Brad and his wife Amy organize the golf tournament for 75 golfers, plan activities for the day of and collect raffle prizes from community sponsors all in midst of their busy lives with two sons. Their commitment is being passed on, “Having our sons see how passionate we are about this helps them want to get involved in the future,” writes Brad. And it isn’t just the Dal Bon family that has been inspired. “The community involvement with sponsors, golfers and friends has been amazing.” In regards to next year, Brad states, “Obviously, the cause is very important… We are just looking forward to year 7! “

By Elissa Oblath

Among the many amazing events hosted by our passionate supporters to benefit our foundation during 2014, the June 8^th Cooking for a Cure stands out as the tastiest. Plan Check Bar + Kitchen graciously offered a wonderful setting and Executive Chef Ernesto Uchimira welcomed a dazzling array of fellow chefs to serve up delicious bites. Joining chef Ernesto were “Top Chef” champ Michael Voltaggio, chef Josef Centeno of Bäco Mercat & Bar Ama fame, award-winning BierBeisl Chef/Owner Bernhard Mairinger, Waterloo & City chef and a food TV rising star Brendan Collins and James Beard-nominated culinary masters Jon Shook and Vinny Dotolo.

Held to benefit pancreatic cancer research, with an emphasis on the emotional support provided by the Hirshberg Foundation’s relationship to the Simms-Mann Center at UCLA, the event raised over $17,000. The event board, a passionate group of friends including Jeff Price, Terry Heller, Joey Leff, Jessica Sorgini and Gay Harwin, came together to support a friend currently in treatment.

From Voltaggio’s delicate asparagus with horseradish powder and caviar to Shook & Dotolo’s crispy-skinned and juicy smoked chicken leg to Uchimura’s creamy cheesy grits topped with the perfect egg and fresh green peas, there was something for everyone. Centeno brought a burrito twist on his signature bäco with pork asada and beef albondigas with a creamy tomato sauce and just the right heat. Collins’ veal tongue with uni on a dark toast topped with apricots and a porcini was a crowd favorite for its play on textures and strong flavors. Mairinger’s sous chef came prepared with his purple apron to serve up seared duck breast appropriately paired with a purple cabbage salad. With the windows open and a summer breeze, the intimate afternoon allowed participants to mingle with chefs and friends while supporting pancreatic cancer. A Tito’s Vodka, watermelon and mint passed punch was available as well as specialty jalapeno-infused cocktail by Livigni + Moix and Matthew Biancaniello’s famous Breeder’s Cup. To say the afternoon was a culinary adventure is to say the least! But to think that it all benefited pancreatic cancer patients was the most delicious part of it all.

By Brittany Knott

In June of 2012 I lost my mother Linda Knott from pancreatic cancer. She was diagnosed only 3 months before that, it all happened so quickly and we didn’t see it coming. My mom was the most loving, giving, humble person I’ve ever known and she has passed on those qualities to me. She was a great mother and I hope to do her justice in trying to make a difference.

I’ve always been motivated to help my community and make a difference, but losing my mom to this disease has motivated me to focus my philanthropic efforts with the Hirshberg Foundation. With the support of friends and family I’ve helped raise awareness for pancreatic cancer and we’ve raised thousands of dollars through Team Mudslide at the LA Cancer Challenge!

On Friday, April 11^th we held Purple Palooza, a night of live music, great food, and a fun auction & raffle! I teamed up with Mickie Finnz Fish House in Redondo Beach to host since they’ve been so great helping us raise money before and they truly care about their community. I’m also a proud member of philanthropic organization Chive On South Bay who helped me rally support. It was a great collaboration since we share a passion for philanthropy and just being good people overall.

Seeing just how many people came out to the event, and seeing the outpouring support from the Hirshberg Foundation are a few of my favorite moments. Being able to play live music and share the stage with one of our favorite bands, Tres Hombres, all night was fun too!

The most important part of the experience was making sure that people understood what the Hirshberg Foundation was about and how important it is that we continue to fight to find a cure for this terrible disease. Hosting an event for the Hirshberg Foundation would have made my mother proud.

By Jennifer Grohs

My amazing mother, Rose Ratcliff, was 54 when she developed back pain and was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. We never gave up hope that she could beat it and we even talked about her going to my children’s weddings. Unfortunately, she passed away from this disease. She continues to inspire me every day in the way I choose to raise my kids and conduct myself. It was so painful to lose her and I never want anyone to have to go through something like that again. That is why I continue to do everything I can to fight pancreatic cancer. She can no longer fight but I can.

My wonderful friend Corina Madilian inspired me to host the luncheon and jewelry trunk show at my home. Hosting at my home gave me the chance to have a nice meal with my friends and do some good for a great cause. I loved doing this event with our Single Stone On Mission Street, a fine jewelry boutique. The team there is a wonderful group of girls who I consider friends with fabulous taste! The designers for the jewelry line Jemma Wynne are very creative and make beautiful pieces of jewelry. Having the jewelry there just brought in a fun element to the day.

Some of my favorite moments from the event included seeing my friends adorned with beautiful jewelry and smiling. I felt so blessed and fortunate to have friends come together to support a cause that is so close to my heart. There were a lot of smiles. The most important part of the experience was listening to Agi and learning new information. I feel that I know a lot of information because I watched my mother suffer through pancreatic cancer, but those who have not had that experience do not have as much knowledge about pancreatic cancer. Power is knowledge and I was so happy to see my friends learning more about the disease.

We at Single Stone had such a great time hosting the jewelry trunk show to support Jennifer Grohs and a cause that has impacted her life. Our motivation for hosting these types of events stems from wanting to build relationships with the people in our community; the best way to do this, we have found, is to support organizations that are close to their hearts.

Jennifer has been a great friend to us for several years, and it meant so much for us to give back to her in some way. Most importantly, it was rewarding for us to honor Jennifer’s mother, who lost her battle with pancreatic cancer.

One of the most poignant moments of the afternoon was when Agi spoke to the group about pancreatic cancer, sharing both her personal story and the research that her organization is behind. I think for many of the guests, this was the first time they had been to a fundraiser about pancreatic cancer research, which highlights what Agi meant when she said that this cause is hugely underfunded.  Knowing that The Hirshberg Foundation is pushing for cancer detection in new and innovative ways showed us all that this is a cause worth taking the time to volunteer for and to donate money to.

By Jan Dunbar

On Saturday, March 2, 2014 the 2^nd Annual Run/Walk for Bill raised $10,000 for pancreatic cancer research! This was our 2nd year honoring the memory of Bill Dunbar, a husband & father, friend, an avid runner, and member of the Manhattan Beach community for 14 years. Family, friends and community came out to the Manhattan Beach Pier to enjoy a 5k overlooking the ocean along the beach side path. It was a beautiful morning, fantastic turnout, an amazing day to raise awareness.

My husband Bill enjoyed running and was happily recruited many years ago to join an early morning exercise group. He bonded with his fellow runners and formed many great friendships. When he was diagnosed with cancer in July 2012, running became a thing of the past. But the many stories of triumphs over injuries, aging and each other lived on.

Bill’s journey with cancer was a short one. After many rounds of chemo, transfusions, and countless medications he passed away from pancreatic cancer at home in February 2013. Despite doing all I could to provide love, support, and comfort, there was the overwhelming feeling of helplessness in the face of a deadly disease.

Shortly after Bill passed, a dear friend and fellow runner organized the first run/walk in his honor. Hundreds of loving friends came out to pay their respects. It was very heartwarming, and a fitting tribute to a wonderful man. When Ross asked to perpetuate the event this March, I was thrilled. It occurred to me that I may have found a way to combat the helplessness.

I had been spinning a lot and met Jon Hirshberg in class. I read about his story and the history of the Foundation. I knew immediately that supporting the Hirshberg Foundation would be our way of helping others fight cancer. The turnout at this year’s event showed that many others felt as strongly about supporting efforts to combat cancer while honoring those who have passed. For me and my kids, this event has turned our personal tragedy into a cause for good.

And what a great day it was!!! Friends and supporters came out of the woodwork for a beautiful stroll on The Strand. We shared hugs and stories; we laughed and we cried. And it all felt right. I hope to continue this tradition for years to come, to raise awareness and funds to make death from pancreatic cancer a thing of the past.

This summer the owners of The Canyon Salon in Westlake, CA transformed their stylish boutique salon into a spectacular celebration to honor the memory of Sharon Perry. Sharon lost her battle with pancreatic cancer in 2012 only a couple days before the first Style-A-Thon was held. This year her daughter Shannon, son Randy Newhart, and two nieces Christy Calfati & Nikki Corzine hosted the 2^nd Annual Style-A-Thon with a deeply changed and equally passionate perspective.

The community poured in from babies on up to a 90 year old. Supporters made appointments for blow-drys, deep conditioning treatments, manicures, braids, haircuts, and much more.   Nearly 400 people came through the doors eagerly anticipating appointments with stylists that would go above and beyond.

Baskets filled with expensive hair care items were displayed for raffle and the festivities included a photo booth, glitter tattoos and face paint for the kids. A DJ played tunes to energize everyone as they enjoyed an elaborate spread of food and beverages including a purple martini named “The Sharontini.” A special treat was in store for one local woman who was selected as “Queen for the Day”. She had been the caregiver for her husband who is currently battling cancer. Event organizer Ingrid Jensen said “The community was really able to get involved, all in the name of someone they knew and loved. She was absolutely touched and delighted to be pampered all day! She had a facial, her makeup done, a manicure, and her hair magnificently styled.  It was a pretty powerful event!”

The Canyon Salon has become a place where staff and clientele continue to support the family’s efforts to raise awareness of pancreatic cancer. “This event has been so successful two years running now. Not only is it a success in terms of the money raised but also for the growing knowledge our community has of this horrible disease. It is an avenue for loved ones to put thoughts to action”, says Shannon. Canyon Salon staff make the event possible by donating their time at no cost and they’ve continued the tradition of raising funds as TEAM SHARON at the LA Cancer Challenge.

Shannon declared, “The Style-A-Thon will run every year for years to come. A generous friend of my mother’s paid $1000 for his haircut! Any proceeds raised in honor of my mother, Sharon Perry, will always go to the Hirshberg Foundation. The group behind the cause is such a dynamic, beautiful, warm and dedicated group of people. My mother and I shared wonderful moments with the people of the foundation. That is priceless.”