As 2023 comes to a close, the Hirshberg Foundation reflects on another exciting year marked by achievements in scientific collaboration, patient support, and much more. Your ongoing support has been instrumental in fulfilling our goals every year. Together, we are fostering innovation, driving advancements in research, and creating a meaningful difference in the well-being of patients.
Seed Grant Announcement
In August, a remarkable 126 Seed Grant applications were received, setting a record for the Foundation. Submissions poured in from locations across the United States and internationally, with a notable emphasis on collaborative initiatives involving multiple research institutions. We are delighted to unveil the 2023 Seed Grant Cohort with projects spanning early detection, treatment, immunotherapy, and basic science. You can also watch our Seed Grant Program video.
UCLA Scientists Meeting
This past October, we hosted a gathering of scientists and researchers working on pancreatic cancer at UCLA, highlighting some of our past Seed Grant awardees. With the goal of sharing innovative work across disciplines, connect researchers, and foster collaboration, it was an inspiring afternoon. Learn more about the presentations as their insights give hope for what’s to come.
American Pancreatic Association Meeting
This year, we sponsored a groundbreaking symposium on Artificial Intelligence in Pancreatic Cancer at the American Pancreatic Association (APA) Annual Meeting. Moderated by our Scientific Advisory Board Chair, Miklos Sahin-Toth MD, PhD, the lectures were led by researchers from Mayo Clinic, Cedars Sinai, and MD Anderson Cancer Center each discussing innovation in the AI space as it relates to early detection and diagnostic tests. You can watch our APA Video on AI. With your support, we are empowering the medical community to pursue groundbreaking research and initiatives that make an impact across the globe.
Patient Support with CancerCare
Recently, we received our annual report from our esteemed financial aid partners at CancerCare. This enduring relationship has been pivotal to extending support to patients across the country through a modest one-time stipend. This assistance has provided funds to survivors for transportation, copays, treatment, and more. We can fund crucial patient programs like this thanks to your commitment and generosity.
Genetic Counseling Webinar
As part of Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month, the Foundation offered an interactive Zoom webinar Ask a Genetic Counselor: A Q&A to learn about testing and risks with UCLA’s Wendy Conlon, MS, CGC. This event, perfect for those with a family history of pancreatic cancer or those who have questions for a genetic counselor, addressed how knowing your family history and your genetic makeup can affect medical care options for you and your loved ones. Watch the recorded webinar to learn more on this topic.
26th Annual LA CANCER CHALLENGE
October 23rd was a magical day for the LA Cancer Challenge as we celebrated great strides made in patient support and pancreatic cancer research. Coming together as a community to raise awareness and funds for research is one of the best days of the year for our community. Thanks to you, we raised over $547,000 as participants across 30 states and 3 countries shared our message of hope. Thank you for rallying with us as we Fight to the Finish. Rember to save the date for next year’s LACC on Sunday, October 27th!
2024 Save the Dates
Symposium – Saturday, April 13, 2024
Hirshberg Training Team at the LA Marathon – Sunday, March 17, 2024
Purple People Party – Sunday, March 17, 2024
Tour de Pier – Sunday, May 19, 2024
LA Cancer Challenge – Sunday, October 27, 2024