My name is Ellie Feigin and I am 13 years old. My father, Ben Feigin, was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in the fall of 2021. He underwent aggressive treatment with the hope of qualifying for a complex surgery called the Whipple, which he received at UCLA in the summer of 2022. Although my dad passed away a few months later, just after his 47th birthday, the research and cutting edge procedure gave our family hope throughout his illness. My goal in participating in this 5k is to raise money and awareness to give other families the kind of hope I received.
My father passed away on October 24, 2022. Running in this race and raising money is a meaningful way to commemorate the two year anniversary of his passing. One of my dad's last wishes was for me to have a Bat Mitzvah, which I celebrated this summer. Even though he was not able to be there with me, I wanted to honor him in a special way using a portion of the money I received to sponsor my run and donate to the LA Cancer Challenge. Forming this team also allows me to combine my love of running and a cause that is near and dear to my heart.
