As this unprecedented year of change and uncertainty winds to a close, it is more important than ever to look back and celebrate our accomplishments. Thanks to your continued support and a “Never Give Up” attitude we have been able to accomplish the unimaginable in a year of upheaval. We’ve held fast to our promise to fund innovative research, to connect and educate patients & families, to unite the pancreatic cancer community to make a difference. We have shown our resilience, and as we optimistically look toward to the new year, we want to make time to celebrate.

Through December 31st, the spirit of generosity continues with a matching gift! Thanks to Birdie & Bob Feldman and Agron, Inc., all donations up to $100,000 will be matched dollar for dollar. Now is the time to double your year-end donation while helping to lower your tax bill. The CARES Act states that all donors can claim up to $300 per taxpayer or $600 for jointly filing married couples on charitable gifts made in 2020, whether you itemize or take a standard deduction. Help drive research towards a cure while supporting the families facing this disease today. If you are able, please give today, so that we may continue in our efforts and end 2020 on a high note, worthy of celebration.

Thank you again for making all these 2020 accomplishments possible. Warmest holiday wishes from the Hirshberg Foundation & all those we support.

The course of the pandemic has placed a considerable spotlight on scientific research and the role our investigators play in fighting diseases in labs and on the front lines. This is nothing new to the Hirshberg Foundation, where funding critical research has been the core of our mission for 23 years. The world is witnessing firsthand the urgency to support science, whether to stop a pandemic or to cure pancreatic cancer. We asked a few of our 2019 Seed Grant recipients to comment how they are adapting in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. Below they share how they’ve been able to continue with their research and the hope they have for future progress. Their passion and dedication is refreshing during such challenging times and we’re proud to share their words with you.

Gina Razidlo, PhD, Mayo Clinic

“Pancreatic cancer doesn’t stop for a pandemic, and neither do we. Access to our lab was restricted for a few weeks in the spring of 2020, but we were able to use our time working remotely for data analysis, writing, immersing ourselves in our colleagues’ recent publications, and keeping connected via videoconferencing. We were excited to return to the laboratory, with a focus on safety. We feel a sense of responsibility to each other and to the PDAC community to continue to move our research forward in the safest way possible.”

Read more about Dr. Razidlo’s research

Steven Van Doren, PhD, University of Missouri

“The period prior to the lockdown starting March was exciting. We completed the first screen of 72 compounds and found 22 of them to bind the targeted enzyme marker of Pa Ca severity. We returned to our lab in June and a strategic result from my lab developed by July. Two of the 22 compounds block the enzyme maturation assay that we are targeting. This has opened our eyes to potential opportunities to target areas of metastasis. We are moving forward!”

Read more about Dr. Van Doren’s research

David Wong, DMD, DMSc, UCLA

“Early detection of pancreatic cancer is a holy grail in cancer research. Our project develops a novel liquid biopsy approach to detect mutations in a key cancer gene KRAS in pancreatic cancer. EFIRM is an emerging technology that can detect cancer mutations in plasma and saliva with near 100% concordance with tissue biopsy-based genotyping. As the majority (90%) of pancreatic patients harbored at least one KRAS mutation, the EFIRM technology is translatable for the detection/risk assessment of pancreatic cancer. Integration of the EFIRM Liquid Biopsy assay into pancreatic cancer screening and risk assessment programs will augment and enhance the currently available diagnostic options for pancreatic detection such as computed tomography (CT) and endoscopy.”

Read more about Dr. Wong’s research

The Foundation first funded Dr. David Wong’s electric field-induced release and measurement (EFIRM) project as part of our 2018 Seed Grant cycle. Dr. Wong’s research into a liquid biopsy has been termed the “saliva test” and is currently part of several clinical studies, including a rapid response test for both active COVID-19 infections and the virus’ antibodies.

The Hirshberg Foundation is pleased to announce a multi-researcher project will be funded for the 2020 Seed Grant. Expanding on current research underway at the Hirshberg Laboratory for Pancreatic Cancer Research at UCLA, this project will look at the influence of hereditary pancreatitis on pancreatic cancer development.

While there is no one cause for developing pancreatic cancer, it is known that environmental factors such as smoking and diet can increase one’s risk. Chronic pancreatitis, an inflammatory condition, is also a known risk factor. It is well established that Kras mutations play a necessary role in initiating pancreatic cancer and subsequent growth but the environmental risk factors that promote tumor development are far less understood. These risk factors offer a potential for interceptive strategies to prevent the development of pancreatic cancer.

Zsanett Jancso, PhD, will work with Dr. Guido Eibl, Director of the Hirshberg Laboratory on a project titled, Preclinical Model of Hereditary Pancreatitis-Promoted Pancreatic Cancer, thanks to 2020 Seed Grant funding. UCLA’s Translation Research Lab is focused on identifying and understanding the causes and risk factors of pancreatic cancer. Dr. Jancso’s research aims to investigate whether hereditary pancreatitis accelerates pancreatic cancer development and tumor growth. Through studying early-onset pancreatitis, they aim to gain a deeper understanding of how inflammation impacts and promotes tumor growth.

While our Seed Grant program has historically focused on early research projects, the need for collaborative research and partnership has become apparent. In order to make the strides we need to combat this disease, we must focus on projects that will bring science from the bench to the bedside. For our 2020 Seed Grant program, we are honored to be funding a first-of-its-kind, collaborative research grant. Dr. Jancso’s research will offer critical insight into how hereditary-pancreatitis associated pancreatic cancer develops and how chronic inflammation promotes tumor growth in the pancreas. The hope is that these findings will then be translatable into preventative strategies against pancreatic cancer.  

Thanks to continued support throughout this difficult year, the Hirshberg Foundation has been able to maintain our promise to fund novel pancreatic cancer research. Despite the set-backs of the COVID-19 pandemic, we are unwavering in our quest towards a cure for this disease. Thank you for staying the course with us and making this research possible.

Read the Project Abstract »

Friends Alli, age 11, and Avery, age 12, started A2A Designs during the COVID-19 pandemic as a way to give back to their community. They began creating mask chains for friends and family as a fun and stylish way to keep their masks handy while running errands and walking the dog. With an emphasis on supporting essential workers, each month they chose a different non-profit organization and donate a portion of their sales. For November, A2A Designs has partnered with the Hirshberg Foundation to help raise pancreatic cancer awareness with a collection of special purple mask chains.

We are excited to partner with these young entrepreneurs to help raise pancreatic cancer awareness in style! As November community partner for A2A Designs, Alli & Avery will be donating half of their monthly profits to the Hirshberg Foundation for Pancreatic Cancer Research. In addition, they have specially designed two purple chains, the Never Give Up and Purple Power, that will continue to give back towards research & patient support services.

Order your mask chains online »

We are excited to have Alli & Avery join us at our Flower Truck Pop Up for World Pancreatic Cancer Day on November 19th. Plus, each mask chain purchased that day will come with a free Never Give Up mask. Learn more and add it to your calendar »

Give friends and family a fun night in, alleviate that cooped up feeling and serve a greater purpose – raising awareness for pancreatic cancer. All of these goals can be accomplished by hosting a virtual fundraising event online and we guarantee it will be an exciting and fulfilling experience. The big difference between an in-person event and a virtual event is moving everything to a video conferencing platform and selecting an activity everyone can participate in – we’ve plenty of ideas and resources for you!

5 Steps to Get Started

1. Choose a Virtual Event Idea
2. Ask a Friend to Help Plan & Co-host
3. Create a Fundraising Page
4. Choose a Video Conferencing Platform
5. Follow our Virtual Event Checklist

Step 1: Choose a Virtual Event Idea You’ll Enjoy

Make your virtual event interesting and memorable with a few fresh ideas. Here are some suggestions to get your imagination going! Give your event some purple pizazz when you order a Purple Spirit Box and send them to attendees to share amongst their households.

Example: A Virtual Scavenger Hunt is a game anyone can participate in right from home. Each household team can scour their home and the web for funny items or mysterious clues. Split your event attendees into teams and turn the hunt into a race, or you can award points based on the originality and absurdity of the answers. Prompts or theme ideas: Family photo gone wrong, terrible present, elaborate decoration, getting a stocking full of coal, pet dressed up in Christmas clothes, Drunken Santa and more!

Step 2: Ask a Friend to Help Plan & Co-Host

This is an optional step, but really, everything is more fun when you do it with friends. Brainstorm ideas, divide up tasks and spread the word together. And if you want to go it alone, that’s fine too!

Step 3: Create a Fundraising Page

A fun event idea combined with a cause you care about will inspire people to not only attend your virtual event but also make a donation. Your online gathering will serve a greater purpose – raising awareness and funds for pancreatic cancer research and patients services. So, don’t hold back, present a strong call to action to drive donations and attendance.

Fundraising is key but it can be kept simple. Two easy ways to collect donations are:

Step 4: Select a Video Conferencing Platform

Video conferencing tools have become a popular way for people to communicate with family, friends, and the organizations they care about. Around the world, people are getting creative in how they are using livestreaming thanks to inexpensive technology. New to hosting online events? Check out this collection of resources.

• Zoom – Allows free video meetings for three or more people for up to 40 minutes with their free plan. The next tier lets you set up video calls for up to 100 participants long.
• Skype – Up to 10 people can join a Skype group video call. Skype is free to download and works on phones, tablets and computers with webcams.
• Google Hangouts – If you have Gmail, that means you already have a Google account you can use to set up Hangouts for free. Up to 25 people can join a video Hangout and up to 150 people can join a voice-only Hangout.
• Houseparty App – This app was made for up to eight participants can participate on a FaceTime-like call. It also features third-party games that can be played simultaneously throughout the call.
• FaceTime – You can set it up as a Group FaceTime with up to 32 people (requires newer devices and updated iOS).

Step 5: Follow our Virtual Event Planning Tips

This virtual event checklist will help guide you as you dig into the details of your virtual fundraising event. From start-to-finish, we’re helping you set up your fundraising page, select an event idea, plan an event agenda, thank your attendees and more!

*Resources and articles

LA Times: How to have Zoom parties that are actually fun
LA Times: Ultimate guide to hanging out with your friends online
Style Caster: How to Throw an Epic Zoom Party Your Friends Will Never Forget
Team Building Blog: 32 Fun Virtual Holiday Party Ideas in 2020

We’ve officially entered the age of the social video call for remote work, social events and family/friend gatherings. This virtual event checklist will help guide you as you dig into the details of your virtual fundraising event. From start-to-finish, we’re helping you set up your fundraising page, select an event idea, plan an event agenda, thank your attendees and more! If hosting a virtual event online is new to you, make sure you read our ‘How to Host a Virtual Event’ instruction sheet first. We share 5 steps to get started, video platforms, resources available and more.

☐ Select a Virtual Event Idea!

Before selecting an activity, check out the section below about partnering with a small business for an easy additional way to fundraise. Select an activity that you’ll enjoy planning and isn’t too complicated. Here are a few ideas to consider:

☐ Ask a Friend or Family Member to Co-host

Co-hosts can support each other through the planning process, learn how to set up the video call together and guide attendees through the online event.

☐ Create a Fundraising Page & Set a Goal

A fun event idea combined with a cause you care about will inspire people to not only attend your virtual event but also donate! Don’t hold back, present a strong call to action to drive donations and attendance. Fundraising is key but it can be kept simple. We suggest two easy ways to collection donations:

• Create an Event Fundraising Page to collection funds and follow up with each donation with a link to access your event.

• Create a Hirshberg Foundation Facebook Fundraiser to collect funds and follow up each donation with a link to access your event.

☐ Collect Donations or a Suggested Donation Entry Fee

It’s a fundraising event! In addition to collecting donations, if you partner with a business there may be a fee to purchase a product or service. If not, ask for a ‘suggested donation admission fee’ for an appropriate amount. Attendees donate to your fundraising page to cover the fee.

☐ Create your guestlist

Virtual fundraising events can range from small to large-scale depending on the activity. Set a limit of attendees based on what you’re comfortable with and the activity you choose.

☐ Plan an Agenda

Set an agenda so people know what to expect and how long you’ll dedicate to each part. For example: “We’ll chat from 6 to 6:30ish, then at 6:35 we’ll share the instructions for the activity, we begin the activity and at 8pm we wrap up by thanking everyone for participating and donating.

☐ Provide a Virtual Background

Zoom video conferencing allows you to upload your own photos, so you can really go wild with this one or allow everyone to spice up their own lives by adding backgrounds to their screens.

☐ Purple Décor

For pancreatic cancer awareness, add some purple accessories and decorations. The Hirshberg Foundation provides a Purple Spirit Box in our e-store that you can suggest or send to attendee households!

☐ Keep it short

One-hour-to-90-minute range tends to be the sweet spot for most online gatherings. Give them too much and their brains will shut off, give them too little and they will get bored. Give attendees a chance to get up, walk around, and grab drink.

☐ Keep it interactive but monitor noise

Even if your audience is not outspoken enough to ask questions, they typically will be willing to participate. Make sure you can mute everyone when the host needs to speak or if someone has to step away and there’s background noise.

☐ Play games

Tap into your attendees competitive side. Puzzles or riddles, crosswords, memory games, ordering tasks are all great ways to keep your attendees engaged and on-task. For added drama, impose a time limit. Try introducing a quick quiz and offer a small prize for the winner.

☐ Offer reward or prizes

Attendees will be more motivated to participate You should also consider extra incentives such as a competition or small prizes. Ask the Hirshberg Foundation if we can provide a few fun items to offer!

☐ Thank your donors and attendees!

As you finish your event, remember to thank your attendees for participating and giving. Let them know how they’re making a difference and send a thank you email or note to people who donated but didn’t attend.

Partner with a Local or Online Small Business

Before you decide on an event idea, consider whether a local small business would be interested in partnering with you. Do a little local research and you may find a business that provides a service or product to be the theme of your event. Many businesses are taking their in-person services and transitioning them to online while mailing products. Ask if they’ll donate 20% of their sales towards your fundraising. Examples include: a yoga studio teaching a virtual class if you sell the tickets, they’ll donate a portion of the proceeds; a wine bar that provides a cocktails/mocktails recipes or wine & cheese package and then offers an online tasting class; or a local baker willing to teach a pie making class online, provides a list of ingredients and offers a discounted pie for attendees for Thanksgiving. Get creative and simply ask. Small businesses are looking for exposure and community support and they recognize the value of supporting something their customers believe in and partnering with a charity!