My name is Ellie Feigin, and I am 15 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 ground-breaking research and cutting-edge treatment gave our family hope throughout his illness.
The Hirshberg Foundation and their partnership with UCLA have truly meant so much to my family and me for the past three years. Their work has allowed us to honor my dad and get one step closer to finding a cure each and every day. So far, we have raised almost $30,000, and this year I am determined to make it our biggest year yet.
My father died on October 24, 2022. Running in this race and raising money is a meaningful way to commemorate the four-year anniversary of his death.
Something that my dad passed on to me was his profound love of music. I have also inherited his guitar collection, which has allowed me to express myself in ways that words alone cannot. As he always told me, “As long as you have a guitar, you have a friend,” and that certainly couldn't be more true today. Although my dad is gone, he lives on through my music. Each and every time I pick up one of his guitars and step on stage, I can feel his presence.
This year also marks one year since moving to Nashville from Los Angeles. Since moving to Nashville, my musical world has vastly expanded in ways I never could have imagined. I have met so many talented musicians that I get to call some of my best friends.
That is why this year, I am excited to be hosting the first-ever “Amplifying Awareness: A NextGen Rock Fest” here in Nashville. While I won’t be able to participate in the 5K in Los Angeles this year, I will be fundraising and running the 5K virtually here in Nashville, bringing my mission with me to music city.
For me, this is not just about running a race or reaching a fundraising goal. It is about making my dad proud and keeping his memory and love of music alive. My goal is to give other families the same hope that helped us through such a difficult time. Through music and fundraising, I am excited to come together as a community and amplify awareness.
