We are fast approaching the 13th Tour de Pier and I am excited. Every year so many of us are touched by cancer. The fight is real for too many people.
Pancreatic cancer took Bill from us 12 years ago. That loss was devastating. By participating in the Tour, the helplessness I felt back then has been replaced by hopefulness. There is hope that a cure will come.
It is an honor to ride and raise money to fight the disease and support those battling
Riding in the Tour is a highlight each year. Pancreatic cancer took Bill from us 12 years ago. It is humbling to hear the stories of the amazing warriors that have gotten that awful diagnosis. This past year could not have flown by more quickly; it is hard to keep up with the advances being made in cancer research!
HIrshberg's seed grant program has been in place for twenty years. The money raised at the Tour helps fund this program. Seed grant recipients have rocked the world of pancreatic cancer by advancing critical research that has reshaped understanding of the disease and promoted innovative treatment solutions. This is very exciting stuff!!! And your donations make it possible.
The Tour also provides patients and families with vital resources in their fight against cancer. It feels like private funding is more critical now than ever. We need to work together to enable ground-breaking research and support to continue.
s get longer and the weather warms, most people think about sunshine and flowers. I think Tour de Pier! I am reminded of all the amazing people I have connected with since losing my husband Bill to pancreatic cancer 11 years ago.
Back then I was blissfully ignorant of pancreatic cancer. It took Steve Jobs and that was all I knew. It took Bill in 7 short months from the discovery of his cancer. Even in 2013, it felt like the chances of survival should be better.
For those familiar with the Tour, you know it was founded in 2013 by three incredible people who lost loved ones to cancer and decided the numbers had to change. They knew that by bringing people together with a shared goal, change was possible.
Fast forward to 2024 and the trajectory of this disease has changed. This event has raised over $11 million dollars for its cancer-fighting beneficiaries. Through funding ground-breaking research, the 5-year survival rate is now 13%, marking a consecutive increase each year since 2021!!
At last year's Tour I rode next to a team supporting a cancer warrior. I was so moved by Team Good Juju. "Juju" was battling not her first but her second bout with pancreatic cancer. And she was winning!!! I don't think she would have had this opportunity without recent advances in detection and treatment. I am excited to cheer her on this May.
Bill brought so much joy to our lives. I feel sad our kids have had only memories for 11 years. But what happy memories we share!! I ride to remember and honor Bill, to celebrate those we've lost, and support those still fighting. Please consider contributing to my fundraising efforts.
Join me. Together we will continue making a difference.
