Reagan Ferris was just three years old when she lost her father, Eric, to pancreatic cancer. After a 2-year battle, he passed away at just 41 years old. The Hirshberg Foundation met the Ferris family when Eric was diagnosed and provided treatment, and then grief, resources for the family. Reagan has grown up celebrating the holidays and milestones with her amazing mom, Jennifer and her two older brothers, Jackson and Carter. Inevitably, these are the moments when she thinks about and misses her dad.
Service to others has always been a cornerstone for the Ferris family. In 2020, Reagan decided that Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month was the perfect time to do something on her own to help others. She created a fundraiser with See’s Candies in honor of her dad, benefiting the Hirshberg Foundation. Now a junior at the University of Notre Dame, she has created a yearly tradition that raises awareness, honors her dad, and continues her family’s dedication to giving back.
Reagan writes, “the Hirshberg Foundation and staff at UCLA were instrumental in helping my dad get the best care possible. Our family is forever grateful to everyone who helped my dad (healthcare workers, family, friends, colleagues, and even kind strangers) and those who continue to support our family and his memory.”
She added, “I am blessed to do something special to honor my dad and all those who fight for and support this important cause. I hope to continue this tradition and to inspire others to find ways to give help where needed.” To date, she has raised over $10,300 and Reagan hopes to keep the tradition going.
As you prepare for the holidays, make them even sweeter with a gift that gives back – consider supporting Reagan and her See’s Candies fundraiser.
