Hey everyone! I've been selected to be the honorary starter of this year's event!
That means that in the energetic, exciting opening moments before the LACC begins, I'll speak a few words of encouragement.
This marks my third year since being diagnosed. In September 2023, I was diagnosed with stage 4 pancreatic cancer.
A few important (personal) significances of this event
1) My first year, I attended out of curiosity and support of my friend, Tom Arai, who happened to be the honorary starter that year. I brought my walking poles and intended to walk as far as possible, which I assumed would be about a half mile. But during the event, I did better than expected, and started challenging myself and wondering what lay around the corner.
I eventually finished the entire walk and was encouraged by others and felt a sense of achievement and some comfort that I don't know what I can handle until I make an attempt
2) One time at this event, the founder Agi Hirshberg, asked how I was doing. I sheepishly told her I was doing well while being on a clinical trial, but I knew a lot of people that were having trouble in their own treatment. She encouraged me that people need hope and to let others know that clinical trials can work! This has changed my life in understanding that sometimes people, even when they're going through a difficult time, can sensitively be encouraged with another's good news.
3) Finally, it's at this event that I experience community. It's nice that people give of their day to raise funds and awareness for a disease that may or may not affect them directly. It helped me feel less alone, and helped me with the human experience in the midst of all this medical experience.
So this year, we walk in support of our fellow journiers, and in memory of those whose involvement in our lives and sometimes in research have helped us become the people we are today
So let's push funding and research a little further down the road!I remember when I started my initial chemotherapy, it seemed so daunting and overwhelming, but week by week, infusion by infusion, weeks turned into months, which turned into three years so far. So every little step helps, including your/my/our contributions to this cause!
There are many good organizations to support survivors and research. The reason why I like Hirshberg and UCLA is because they really are trying to push our understanding of this disease and possible therapies and tools. I didn't realize I would be a direct beneficiary of their work as I am not under their care and see how aggressive in combating the disease while being incredibly caring for us.
Thanks!
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I'm participating in the LA Cancer Challenge! The LACC helps the Hirshberg Foundation raise money to fund research and programs designed to improve patient care, offer better treatment options and, ultimately find a cure for pancreatic cancer.
Please consider contributing towards my fundraising efforts today. Or if you'd like, you can join me, in-person or virtually, for a day of costumes and fun, remembering those we have lost and celebrating those who are currently battling this disease. Together, regardless of where we are, we can make a huge difference in the battle against pancreatic cancer.
