13th Annual Lustgarten Foundation New York City Walk, Sponsored by Northwell Health, Raises Critical Funds for Pancreatic Cancer Research

Over 500 pancreatic cancer supporters united at Hudson River Park’s Pier 84 in New York City 

New York, N.Y. —Over 500 pancreatic cancer supporters united at Hudson River Park’s Pier 84 in Manhattan on April 16 for a morning of hope, remembrance, and action to raise critical funds for the Lustgarten Foundation. Since its inception 13 years ago, the New York City Walk, sponsored by Northwell Health, has raised more than $4 million to fund bold and innovative pancreatic cancer research.  

“Yesterday’s Walk was truly a day of unity and hope.” said Linda Tantawi, Lustgarten Foundation CEO. “I was honored to get out there with our dedicated community to raise awareness and vital funding for a cause we all care deeply about. Pancreatic cancer is a devasting disease, so it is especially important for survivors, patients, family, friends, researchers, and healthcare providers to have a place to come together to remember those we have lost, to honor those in the fight and to take positive action against the disease.” 

The event kicked off with opening remarks from Elliot Newman, MD, Chief of Surgical Oncology at Lenox Hill Hospital at Northwell Health, about the essential cornerstone of care that Lustgarten Foundation, Northwell Health and their research facilities at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory provide for patients. Dr. Newman is focused on state-of-the-art multidisciplinary cancer care for gastrointestinal cancer, including pancreatic cancer. 

“We were  once again excited to join the Lustgarten Foundation and all of our supporters for this inspiring event to raise awareness and critical funds for pancreatic cancer research,” said Richard Barakat, MD, physician-in-chief and director of the Northwell Health Cancer Institute. “Through collaboration with Lustgarten and Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, our physician-scientists are developing breakthrough advancements in clinical trials that are already changing patient outcomes.”  He also noted, “Northwell Health is committed to providing comprehensive cutting-edge cancer care to New York City residents by investing in new cancer programs in Manhattan, Queens, and Staten Island.” 

The New York City pancreatic cancer community flooded Hudson River Park’s Pier 84 in purple, including actor and producer Michael Ealy, who lost his mother-in-law to pancreatic cancer, and pancreatic cancer survivor Linda Hill, who was treated by Dr. Elliot Newman at Lennox Hill Hospital. The “Ask the Expert” tent was also reprised, where a team of Northwell Health pancreatic cancer specialists from multiple disciplines were onsite to meet with and answer questions from participants. 

The Lustgarten Foundation and Northwell Health are dedicated to funding new clinical trials to offer patients better treatment options and outcomes and giving a voice to the pancreatic cancer community. For those who would still like to donate to support the New York City Walk, the registration page will remain open throughout 2023.