From returning to a full roster of in-person events to commemorating 25 years of progress towards a cure, the year has filled us with hope and gratitude. It is thanks to our community and your unwavering support that we can celebrate research advancements, improved patient care and support for all those facing pancreatic cancer. This year, we renew our passion to find a cure and are filled with gratitude for the robust community that supports us.
25 Years of Progress
We have spent much of this year reflecting on the progress we have made over the past 25 year. As we look towards the future, our motto guides the path ahead: “Never Give Up! Finding a cure is worth fight for!” It is thanks to the support of our community that we have fulfilled four of our five mission pillars and have made tangible improvements for patients and families. While our journey towards a cure continues, it is with hope and gratitude that we look toward a cancer-free future for all.
A New Roster of Seed Grants Brings Promise
Our commitment to fund innovative pancreatic cancer research continues with a new roster of Seed Grant Awardees. These eight outstanding projects range from investigating how a digestive enzyme could be used as an early detection screening tool, to better understanding the immune systems of long-term survivors for clues to help with treatment, to targeting iron to create an anti-tumor response. These impressive researchers will deepen our knowledge of pancreatic cancer, create new treatment avenues, and improve patient outcomes. We are optimistic for the advances that will come from these bright minds!
Our Partnership with the APA
Each November, we begin Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month at the American Pancreatic Association (APA) meeting. The annual APA meeting brings together an international group of scientists and clinicians to identify the best course of treatment and discuss the most up- to-date research results for pancreatic diseases. The Hirshberg Opening Symposium at the APA meeting has allowed us to bring crucial topics such as the importance of nutrition and psychosocial care to an international stage. Our longstanding relationship with the APA has helped foster the scientific research needed to drive us towards a cure for pancreatic cancer and improve patient outcomes across the globe.
25th LA Cancer Challenge 5K Walk/Run held at UCLA
Our 25th walk/run was held on the beautiful campus of UCLA where we celebrated 25 years of progress and patient care! The LA Cancer Challenge was filled with warm embraces, incredible milestones and the joy of working to make a difference for our pancreatic cancer community. To date, the LACC has raised over $10.1 million for pancreatic cancer research and programs. Thank you to all our walkers, runners, donors, volunteers, and sponsors who reminded us to “Never Give Up: Let’s Fight to the Finish!”
Training is Underway for the 2023 LA Marathon
The Hirshberg Training Team offers an exciting fitness challenge for runners of all levels (couch-potatoes included) who are passionate about the pancreatic cancer community. With the Hirshberg Training Team you get personalized training, one-on-one access to our amazing coaches who have helped thousands cross the finish line, a pre-race luxury suite (with clean, warm bathrooms) and a post-race celebration dinner. Running a marathon is an extraordinary achievement; running to fight pancreatic cancer is life changing.