This summer is filled with optimism as the Hirshberg Foundation commemorates 25 years of making progress towards a cure. We know that there is still work to be done. However, we must pause to acknowledge the advancements that have been made, to honor the lives we have lost, and to redouble our efforts to support those families faced with a pancreatic cancer diagnosis. This summer we celebrate 25 years of providing our community with hope, and we invigorate our efforts towards a cure!
25 Years of Progress
This summer marks 25 years of our relentless pursuit of a cure for pancreatic cancer. As we reflect on the milestones we have achieved, our 25th anniversary motto guides the path ahead: “Never Give Up! Our journey continues with an end in sight.” In 1997, just months after Ron Hirshberg passed away, Agi and her family created the five pillars of the Hirshberg Foundation’s mission. To date, we have accomplished 4 of those 5 goals, with a cure being the last pillar left to attain. Over the next few months, we will be sharing the milestones we have accomplished thanks to your support. Learn more about our 25th Anniversary with our video and join us in never giving up!
UCLA Activity Summary Report
A pillar of our mission statement is to create a premier pancreatic cancer center where the needs of patients can be met in one place. That goal is a reality at the UCLA Agi Hirshberg Center for Pancreatic Diseases. Our longstanding partnership with UCLA is working to develop and disseminate the most advanced treatment options, not only to patients at UCLA but across the country. These efforts include the UC Pancreatic Cancer Consortium (UCPCC) which unites 5 UC campuses in order to accelerate progress; new clinical trials at UCLA; our Tissue Bank that provides assistance and collaboration across the globe; and our renowned psychosocial care through the Simms/Mann Center for Integrative Oncology. Our latest UCLA Activity Summary Report highlights the work from our flagship center as well as the collaborations taking place to expand excellence in care to all pancreatic cancer patients.
Latest News & Research
This year has been filled with exciting news. The UCLA Hirshberg Center was recently recognized as a Clinical and Academic Center of Excellence for Pancreatitis and Pancreatic Cancer by the National Pancreas Foundation, a prestigious designation that speaks to the outstanding, holistic care being provided. It is an accomplishment for the entire UCLA team and a marker of the progress we are making. The UC Pancreatic Cancer Consortium has connected researchers at UC Davis, UC San Francisco, UCLA, UC Irvine, and UC San Diego to collaborate on research and clinical trials to accelerate the treatment options available to patients. Three of the UCs in the UCPCC have also been awarded grants from Canopy Cancer Collective to help improve the outcomes and well-being for all patients with pancreatic cancer. This grant will support the UCLA Hirshberg Center in expanding the exceptional level of care to all UCLA Health facilities, which extend from San Luis Obispo to Laguna Beach, CA.
The 25th LA Cancer Challenge 5K is October 23, 2022
Not only is it the 25th Anniversary for the Hirshberg Foundation, it is the 25th Annual LA Cancer Challenge 5K Walk/Run. The LACC is the event that started it all and encompasses our mission pillar to “unite generations, young and old, through physical fitness to raise awareness for pancreatic cancer.” The LACC began as a way to make a difference as a community, and thanks to the tireless support from our participants, teams, volunteers and sponsors, we’ve made great strides towards a cure. Join us in-person at UCLA or virtually from wherever you are, and know that your participation helps make our accomplishments possible. In our 25th year it’s more important than ever to for us to “Never Give Up! Let’s Fight to the Finish!”
