Emily Foster and her grandmother Betty Geraci, who she affectionately called “Meme”, shared a passion for art. When Emily was a young girl, her mother and grandmother took her to local museums and galleries where they marveled at various splendid works from numerous talented artists.

In 2004, Emily’s family received the shattering news that Geraci had been diagnosed with Pancreatic Cancer. Like many patients, the doctors predicted Geraci had between three and six months to live. In 2006, after long outliving the doctors’ prediction, Meme was slowly beginning to lose her battle with the disease. Although her grandmother was still alive and fighting, Emily was feeling helpless. “My grandmother was getting sicker and I just wanted to do something.” So rather than just hope, she decided to try and help! Emily turned to art, a passion she shared with her Meme, and began organizing several local artists for a benefit.

Just as Emily began implementing her idea for an art show, her grandmother succumbed to the disease. Emily devoted the next six months to planning event, which she named, “Art Can Cure”. She created a website, solicited sponsors and secured local artists to participate and donate their art. On the evening of December 2^nd, 2006 Art Can Cure was held in Savannah’s Orleans Hall. Through the sale of tickets and art, the event raised more than $5,000 for the Hirshberg Foundation.

When asked why she chose the Foundation as the event’s beneficiary, Emily replied, “I found the Hirshberg Foundation after Googling “pancreatic cancer”. I read Agi’s story and cried as I read it. The spirit in which The Hirshberg Foundation was created moved me and I knew then where I wanted to help.”

“I think she would have had a ball!” Emily said excitedly when asked what her grandmother would have thought of the event. “She never got to see Art Can Cure come together but I believe she was there in spirit. As the local artwork hung and music played and the people chatted, I could almost envision my Meme going from painting to painting, asking questions and being the life of the party,” Emily continued.

Despite her personal loss and all the effort Emily put into the planning the event, she would like to host one again. “I worked really hard for six months and when the building was set up and guests were there, I was happier than I had ever been. I honestly felt like doing a happy dance and saying ‘I did it!’!”

She added, “I would like to follow in Agi’s footsteps and build a relationship with local hospitals and cancer programs while always having a bond with The Hirshberg Foundation.

I am honored to assist my family and participate in their accomplishments in the fight against pancreatic cancer. Each and every one of you reading this can hopefully relate to these words that come from my heart. I am 31-years-old now, married, with a baby girl due in October—Jessica Rayne Hirshberg. Life is moving so quickly. I think about my father, Ron Hirshberg—for whom the foundation is named—and the words of wisdom he would have undoubtedly offered at this time in my life. I wonder, did he sit around with my mom and talk about baby names for hours? Did they read books together? Was my mom as crazy as my wife Nicole during pregnancy? (Just kidding Nicole…I love you) Was he nervous about bringing Lisa (my sister) and me into this crazy world? Did he change diapers? My parents were so young.

It hurts so much knowing my pops will never get to hold my children; never get to teach them the words of wisdom he taught me; take them to breakfast at Nate and Al’s; take them boating and for rides on his motorcycles. He will always be their grandfather; always be looking out for my little ones from above as he has looked out for me. I can only imagine my Dad’s big smile when Jessica is born. Trust me, when she is born, I will look up at the sky and know that he is watching over us. The one thing I will strive for most with my kids is a “magical” relationship like I had with my pop. We created magical memories I cherish everyday. Memories are real! Memories are what we take with us from our adventures. Wonderful memories are what I want to be able to leave my children with when it is my time to go.

If you are a son or daughter who has lost a parent, take a moment to look at the sky. Your loved ones are up there making sure everything is okay. If you are a grandmother or grandfather, grab your little ones and create the memories for them to cherish. Life is short, seize the day and live it 24/7.

I want to take this opportunity to thank everyone for your support of the Foundation through the years. We will not stop our fight until we find a cure for pancreatic cancer. Family and friends are the soul of the Foundation and without your efforts and support we would not have been able to get to where we are today. I also want to thank Agi for her endless energy and tireless commitment to the Foundation. We have great plans for the future and our families and friends are growing and making us stronger as a fighting machine against this disease. I look forward to the bright future of The Hirshberg Foundation. Together, we will build a place where you and your families can create your magical memories together.

Thank you for your time and don’t forget to look at the sky and smile.

The 2^nd Annual Marlborough Police Department 5k Police Chase & Family Day, held this past September in Marlborough, Massachusetts, raised over $3,500 for the Hirshberg Foundation. The event, sponsored by the Marlborough Patrolmen’s IBPO Local 527, was held in memory of Sergeant William Kirby. Kirby died last February at age 57 after an eight-month battle with pancreatic cancer.

“He was what you think of when you think of a cop,” said Officer Pat Hogan. “We decided that this year we wanted to do the race in his memory.” According to Hogan, after Kirby’s death, many officers talked about doing something to honor the sergeant, who spent more than 30 years with the department. They decided to donate the race proceeds to the Hirshberg Foundation.

“They contacted us because they lost their beloved sergeant,” said Agi Hirshberg. “We are touched and so very appreciative of all that they have done to support our research efforts and to raise awareness about pancreatic cancer.”