The LA Cancer Challenge is coming up again soon and for the seventh consecutive year AMS is stepping up to the challenge. October 29th is the date of the 20th Annual run, UCLA is the location, and registration can be done on the event’s website, or in person at the event.
Since 1998, the LA Cancer Challenge has raised more than $7.3 million to benefit the Hirshberg Foundation for Pancreatic Cancer Research. The Foundation was established 13 years ago by Agi Hirshberg in honor of her husband, Ronald Hirshberg. Her desire was to fund much needed research on a disease that continues to be one of the most fatal and least funded of all cancer types.
A few years ago the event grew too large for the organizers to assemble the gift bags, and Teri Fox of the Hughes Family Foundation brought their concern to AMS President Jay Catlin. AMS responded immediately, offering to open the facility on the weekend and provide space for their volunteers as well as assistance from AMS.
This year AMS employees have taken contributing to an even greater level, asking if they could volunteer their time, come in an hour early and stay an hour late as their donation to the cancer challenge. Betty-Lou Wiseman, Executive VP of Client Services at AMS, said, “We are often proud of the way our employees contribute to the community. The response of the AMS family to this event is heartwarming and so appreciated. We’re very proud of our employees.”
In addition to building the gift bags, AMS management and a number of employees bring their families to take part in the 5K, 10K and 15K runs and be a part of the fun. Included in the LA Cancer Challenge is a giant Fit Family Expo with music and entertainment, food and beverages, as well as health and fitness booths.
The event also features a run for the littlest runners (2-4 years and 5-7 years) where children follow “The Bee” around the Expo and participate in the Children’s Costume Parade. There are costume prizes in various categories including Best Adult, Best Team and Best Volunteer, and of course there are gift bags for everyone.
In appreciation of employees, Bettty-Lou offered: “We’ve all been affected by cancer in some way, even here at AMS where we lost a co-worker who was very dear to our hearts. As we participate in these events we honor the memory of our friends and family members who have fought this battle.”
Please consider joining AMS at this event: visit the LA Cancer Challenge website, register, and participate. It is a fun day and a meaningful day for all participants, benefiting a Foundation that is doing a very great work on behalf of pancreatic cancer patients and their families.