There is a great deal to celebrate this summer; pancreatic cancer advances have a global spotlight and hope feels tangible. From a record-breaking Tour de Pier to landmark clinical trial results announced at ASCO, the pancreatic cancer community continues to move forward with purpose and momentum. Every dollar raised, every research grant funded, every patient supported, and every event participant helps bring us closer to better treatments and improved outcomes.
For nearly 30 years, the Hirshberg Foundation has invested in innovative science, supported patients and families, and built a community determined to change the future of pancreatic cancer. Today, we are seeing that investment translate into real progress.
Tour de Pier Exceeds Expectations
The 14th Annual Tour de Pier brought thousands of riders, supporters, volunteers, and spectators together on the Manhattan Beach Pier for a day filled with energy, inspiration, and hope. Together we raised over $1.6 million for pancreatic and brain cancer research and support services for all cancer patients.
This year’s Tour de Pier kicked off the excitement of the FIFA World Cup, to create an unforgettable atmosphere that celebrates both community and competition. The enthusiasm on the pier reflected something we see throughout our organization: people coming together to make a difference.
Every rider, donor, sponsor, and volunteer helped move our mission forward. Save the date for our 15th year on May 16, 2027!
Looking Ahead to the LA Cancer Challenge
The momentum continues this fall as we prepare for the 29th Annual LA Cancer Challenge on Sunday, October 25, 2026.
This beloved UCLA tradition brings together patients, families, survivors, healthcare professionals, and supporters for a day of community and purpose. Whether you choose to walk, run, stroll, or volunteer, every step supports pancreatic cancer research and patient programs. We look forward to gathering once again and demonstrating the power of our community.
Watch this year’s video to get a taste of what’s in store. Register today and save with early bird through July 7.
Research Progress Reaches Patients
This year’s ASCO Annual Meeting delivered encouraging news in pancreatic cancer. Results from the daraxonrasib trials have begun a new era of RAS inhibition treatment for pancreatic cancer. New clinical trials continue to explore targeted therapies, novel treatment combinations, immunotherapies, and personalized approaches that may improve outcomes for patients.
For many years, progress in pancreatic cancer moved slowly. Today, researchers are building on decades of laboratory discoveries and translational science to develop treatments that are beginning to reach patients. This is exactly what our community has been working toward.
The path from laboratory research to patient care can take years, even decades. Through Seed Grant funding, early-stage research support, and long-term investment in innovative ideas, The Hirshberg Foundation and our donors have helped make these advances possible. The desire to continue driving momentum is palpable throughout the research and pancreatic cancer community.
While much work remains, the future looks more hopeful than it has in many years.
Investing in the Next Discoveries
Applications for the 2026 Seed Grant Program and the PNET Pathway Grant Program are currently under review.
Each year, these programs provide investigators with the critical early funding needed to pursue innovative ideas, generate preliminary data, and compete for larger national grants. Many groundbreaking discoveries begin with this type of support.
Celebrating Survivorship
June is National Cancer Survivors Month, an opportunity to honor the strength, resilience, and determination of those living with pancreatic cancer. Our community of survivors represent what progress truly means.
One of the most meaningful moments of our 20th Annual Symposium on Pancreatic Cancer was the survivor panel, where five survivors shared their personal experiences with diagnosis, treatment, recovery, and hope. Their stories reminded us that every patient journey is unique, but no one faces pancreatic cancer alone. Their honesty, courage, and optimism inspire us year-round.
Behind every research breakthrough and every new treatment are individuals and families whose lives are being changed.
Moving Forward Together
The accomplishments we celebrate this summer belong to our entire community.
Because of your support, research continues to advance. New treatments are entering clinical trials. Patient programs continue to grow. Survivors are sharing their stories and inspiring hope.
Together, we are driving progress.
Thank you for standing with us and helping create a future with more treatment options, more survivors, and more reasons to hope.
