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# L.A. Cancer Challenge raises more than $800,000 for pancreatic cancer research
- URL: https://www.smdp.com/l-a-cancer-challenge-raises-more-than-800-000-for-pancreatic-cancer-research/
- Published: 2026-10-30T18:59:00.000Z
- Updated: 2026-10-30T18:58:59.000Z
- Author: Maaz Alin
- Tags: Non Profit, Los Angeles

The 29th annual L.A. Cancer Challenge raised nearly $815,000 for pancreatic cancer research on Oct. 25, surpassing its fundraising goal.

The money will fund research into early detection methods, innovative treatments and, ultimately, a cure, organizers said.

The[ ](https://support.pancreatic.org/site/TR?fr%5Fid=1550&pg=entry&ref=smdp.com)[L.A. Cancer Challenge](https://support.pancreatic.org/site/TR?fr%5Fid=1550&pg=entry&ref=smdp.com) benefits the[ ](https://pancreatic.org/?ref=smdp.com)[Hirshberg Foundation for Pancreatic Cancer Research](https://pancreatic.org/?ref=smdp.com), the first pancreatic cancer foundation established in the U.S. The event has raised $13 million since 1998.

This year’s challenge, which combined in-person and virtual participation, drew a historic level of engagement and fundraising, according to organizers.

Pancreatic cancer is one of the deadliest cancers, with the highest mortality rate among all major forms of the disease.

The funds will support research initiatives that include the foundation’s Seed Grant program, which for two decades has provided start-up funding to test new ideas for improving diagnosis and to develop new treatments.

“Year after year, I am inspired by the incredible generosity and determination of our L.A. Cancer Challenge community,” said Lisa Manheim, executive director of the Hirshberg Foundation and race director of the L.A. Cancer Challenge. “Surpassing our fundraising goal is a remarkable achievement and a powerful reminder of what we can accomplish when we come together for a common purpose.”

Manheim said the support is more important than ever at a time of exciting advances in pancreatic cancer research.

“Every participant, donor, team and sponsor is helping us turn hope into progress, and progress into a future with better outcomes for patients and families,” she said. “That is what keeps us moving forward.”

Organizers describe the event as a rallying cry for families, friends, neighbors and the scientific community to unite behind the cause.

Next year marks the 30th anniversary of the L.A. Cancer Challenge and the Hirshberg Foundation’s decades-long commitment to finding a cure and giving patients a fighting chance.

“The Hirshberg Foundation has been at the forefront of pancreatic cancer research for nearly three decades,” Manheim said. “We continue to remain laser-focused on supporting groundbreaking research and improving patient care.”

She added, “We are here to finish what we started.”

Edited by SMDP Staff