10th Annual Lustgarten Foundation Staten Island Walk for Pancreatic Cancer Research

The Lustgarten Foundation Staten Island Walk for Pancreatic Cancer Research, presented by Northwell Cancer Institute, draws nearly 400 supporters and raises more than $147,000

STATEN ISLAND, NY, October 27, 2026 –The Lustgarten Foundation’s Staten Island Walk for Pancreatic Cancer Research, presented by Northwell Cancer Institute, nearly doubled its $85,000 fundraising goal, raising more than $147,000, and counting to support cutting-edge pancreatic cancer research. Almost 400 Staten Islanders gathered at Franklin D. Roosevelt Park on Sunday, October 4, demonstrating the power of local support in driving meaningful progress towards improving patient outcomes. 100% of Walk donations directly fund pancreatic cancer research.

“At the Lustgarten Foundation, we believe community is power,” said Linda Tantawi, CEO of the Lustgarten Foundation. “Together, this community inspired hope and honored those impacted by pancreatic cancer, while fueling the research that is advancing progress toward better treatment options for patients. We are profoundly grateful for their continued participation and support!”

Turning Community Support into Research Progress

The event brought together patients, survivors, families, friends, and advocates united by a shared commitment to advancing pancreatic cancer research.

“For years, pancreatic cancer has been one of the most difficult cancers to detect and treat. But science is moving. Researchers are learning more about the biology of pancreatic cancer than ever before,” said Casey Di Paolo, Staten Island Walk Leader. “We are seeing advances in targeted therapies, immunotherapy, personalized medicine, and early-detection research. The Lustgarten Foundation is helping drive that work. And that is why today matters. Because every dollar raised isn’t simply a donation.”

The Staten Island Walk’s success comes at a pivotal time in pancreatic cancer research. Advances in understanding the disease are creating new opportunities for more precise treatments and earlier detection. Yet significant challenges remain, making sustained research funding essential to improving outcomes for patients.

Partnership Highlights Commitment to Progress

As presenting sponsor, Northwell Cancer Institute’s support reinforces the local connection between scientific research and patient care.

The event welcomed Chika N. Madu, MD, Chair of Radiation Medicine at Northwell’s Staten Island University Hospital, and Basem Nady Azab, MD, Surgical Oncologist at Northwell Health Physician Partners Surgery on Staten Island who joined participants in recognizing the importance of continued progress in pancreatic cancer research.

“I look forward to the Staten Island Walk every year,” said Dr. Madu. “It’s a meaningful opportunity to come together as a community and support the research that is extending patient lives and giving loved ones more time together.”

Advancing Research. Improving Outcomes.

Pancreatic cancer remains the third-leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States, with most patients diagnosed after the disease has already advanced. However, progress is being made. Since the Lustgarten Foundation was established in 1998, the five-year survival rate has more than tripled, increasing from 4% to 13%.

As the world’s largest private funder of pancreatic cancer research, the Lustgarten Foundation has invested more than $333 million in high-risk, high-reward research to accelerate and expand life-saving treatment options.

For those interested in supporting Lustgarten’s Staten Island Walk for Pancreatic Cancer Research, the event registration page, as well as individual and team fundraising pages, will remain open throughout 2026.