The Hirshberg Foundation is excited to welcome Purmine “Mine” Oksayan as Honorary Starter for the 2020 LA Cancer Challenge Walk/Run ! Mine is an extraordinary woman whose light and smile bring warmth to those around her. In 2016, Mine was living a happy and productive life, spending time with family including her loving husband, children and grandchildren. In December of that year, the shocking diagnosis of pancreatic cancer came. As the glue that holds everyone and everything together in her close-knit family, Mine was asked by her daughter just after diagnosis, “Mom, are you doing ok?” Mine rolled her eyes and replied, “this diagnosis is annoying, inconvenient and an interruption in my daily routine”’…and both started laughing. A typical response from this woman who had no time for pancreatic cancer. Mine moved forward with confidence as she went through treatment at UCLA. She refers to Dr. Timothy Donahue and his medical team as her superheroes. She continues to live her life selfless and generous, sharing a positive attitude about the future. She truly lives each day to the fullest as a loving and guiding force within her family. If you have the pleasure of meeting her, you’ll see that sparkle in her eye and her spirit shining through. It’s is a privilege to introduce Mine as our virtual Honorary LACC Starter and we invite you to register and join us virtually this year too!
Read more about Purmine in a heartfelt Mother’s Day dedication by her daughter Ani here.