Twenty one years ago, a close friend's sister and mother were diagnosed with and succumbed to pancreatic cancer.  My friend and her husband introduced me to this disease. At that time, I joined them on a journey via their relentless support of the Hirshberg Foundation in an effort to find a cure for pancreatic cancer. 

Over the years, more friends and some acquaintances have battled this deadly disease, most losing the battle. As many of you know, in March of 2018, my dearest friend, Lisa Knight, was diagnosed with a type of pancreatic cancer. Despite a valiant effort, she succumbed to the disease - hers a life so well lived and taken from us way too soon. Her courageous fight will forever be etched into my soul and it inspires me to embrace the community which is striving to find a cure. 

Pancreatic cancer has nearly doubled in two decades and it now claims more lives in the US each year than breast cancer, liver cancer, kidney cancer, ovarian cancer, lymphoma or leukemia. It has become an epidemic so please help us do something about it.  The Hirshberg Foundation's 22nd Annual LA Cancer Challenge will take place on Sunday October 20th at UCLA and the proceeds of this event will be funneled directly to pancreatic cancer researchers in the form of seed grants.  Every year the Hirshberg Foundation funds as many seed grants as possible.  However, many robust and promising grants are passed over due to a lack of funding. For every grant that is passed over, hope for understanding this deadly disease and hope for a cure is diminished. 

I ask you to please join me in supporting the Hirshberg Foundation's LA Cancer Challenge (LACC) by donating to fund these valiant researchers as they strive for a cure for pancreatic cancer. All donations, large or small, make a difference!

I also welcome you to join me for a 5K walk or run on Sunday October 20th on the UCLA Campus. This is a fun filled morning for all the participants and their families with food booths, games and raffles! 

Please strongly consider donating to the LACC, whether you can join the 5K or not, and make a difference in the fight against pancreatic cancer. I never thought it would touch me personally but it has, and we are all at risk, so together, let's fund a cure!