This year, I am honored and humbled to be selected as The Hirshberg Foundation’s Honorary Starter for its 27th Annual LA Cancer Challenge 5K Walk/Run at UCLA on October 27, 2024. Since 1998, LACC participants of all ages walk or run in honor of loved ones to raise money for critical research and to fund essential patient programs.

I have asked The Hirshberg Foundation and they have allowed me to use their slogan “Never Give Up” as our team slogan. Please join me in finding a cure for pancreatic cancer by donating or registering for the LACC? I’m inviting you to participate and help change the course of this disease, and join us as we Fight to the Finish!

My story is like many pancreatic cancer survivors, my diagnosis was totally unexpected, as I had been in good health. in June 2015, at 65 years old, I was diagnosed with stage 4 pancreatic cancer, it having spread to my liver and lungs. Throughout my journey, my wife, Toni, has been a pillar of support. Toni, had been a pharmaceutical rep and immediately researched pancreatic cancer, interviewed and selected the best pancreatic cancer oncologist for me, Dr. Tara Seery, who has been my oncologist since 2015. I am extremely fortunate that my wife was able to be my advocate and find the best pancreatic cancer oncologist for me. I know that not everyone is as fortunate as I have been.

I was treated with 5FU chemotherapy and underwent over 15 months. I also participated in 2 clinical trials and am currently on a maintenance chemo treatment. I have had no detectable cancer since 2016.

For more than 4 ½ years, I have hosted a weekly Zoom call for pancreatic cancer survivors and caregivers across the U. S. I found that in this way I could help newly-diagnosed survivors and their caregivers how to fight this deadly disease and to provide hope, knowledge, resilience, support and a community.

I invite you to join me at the LA Cancer Challenge to support pancreatic cancer research but also to be inspired by all the participants at the event. Whether you are running, walking, or cheering from the sidelines, your participation makes a difference in the fight against pancreatic cancer.