The L.A. Cancer Challenge

10 Years of Raising Funds For The Advancement of Pancreatic Cancer Research

by Donald Wilson

On Sunday, October 28, the L.A. Cancer Challenge commemorated 10 Years of raising funds for the advancement of Pancreatic Cancer research. Walkers and runners of all ages, dressed in athletic attire and Halloween costumes, shouted, "Let's find a cure!" as they geared up to sprint the 5K/10K at the 10th Annual L.A. Cancer Challenge (L.A.C.C.). Held at the Veteran's Administration (V.A.) Grounds in West Los Angeles, nearly 3,000 supporters not only walked or ran the race, but also helped raise money to find a cure for Pancreatic Cancer.

Fathers and sons, mothers and daughters, friends and family saturated the V.A. Grounds layered with family-fun activities. The L.A.C.C. offered participants food, entertainment, raffles, prize drawings, a Halloween costume contest and the ever-popular Pumpkin Pancake Breakfast. Kids ages 2-13 years old were also able to join in the fun and show their support with the Kids Can Cure Fun Run and the Halloween Kids Zone.

"It is a special time for the foundation as this anniversary reflects the progress we have made in Pancreatic Cancer Research in the last 10 years," said Agi Hirshberg, Founder of the Hirshberg Foundation. "The news coverage of famed opera singer, Luciano Pavarotti, who recently died from Pancreatic Cancer, has helped our cause by creating more attention to the desperate need for research."

The L.A. Cancer Challenge Charity Run started when Hirshberg's husband, Ronald, died from Pancreatic Cancer at the age of 54 because a cure or treatment was not available. Pancreatic Cancer has the number-one fatality rate of all cancers and 99% of patients die within the first six months of diagnosis. Each year, the L.A.C.C. fundraising goals surpass the next, bringing them one step closer to finding a cure.

To find out more information on the L.A. Cancer Challenge or the Hirshberg Foundation, visit www.lacancerchallenge.com or www.pancreatic.org or call (310) 473-5121.