17th Annual Lustgarten Foundation Westchester Walk for Pancreatic Cancer Research

The Lustgarten Foundation Westchester Walk for Pancreatic Cancer, presented by Northwell Cancer Institute, draws nearly 300 supporters and raises more than $129,000

Nearly 300 community members gathered on Sunday, June 14th,  at Westchester Community College for the 17th Annual Lustgarten Foundation Westchester Walk for Pancreatic Cancer Research, presented by the Northwell Cancer Institute. Together, participants raised over $129,000 to advance life-saving pancreatic cancer research. Since its inception, the Westchester Walk has raised over $5.1 million, 100% of every dollar going directly to science.

“We are at a pivotal moment in pancreatic cancer research, and communities like Westchester are helping make this progress possible,” said Linda Tantawi, CEO of the Lustgarten Foundation. “Together, we are fueling the science behind life-saving breakthroughs and bringing new hope to patients and families affected by this devastating disease.”

Medical Leaders Inspire and Empower
Keyur Thakar, MD, MPH, medical director of hematology and medical oncology at Northwell’s Phelps Hospital in Westchester, delivered remarks during the opening ceremony, along with his patient, Sharon Bond, a six-year pancreatic cancer survivor and Westchester native. Their presence highlighted the real impact of cutting-edge care and long-term survivorship.

“As a medical oncologist, I know firsthand the profound challenges that pancreatic cancer presents. It is a formidable disease, but through relentless research and dedicated care, we are making progress,” he said. “Every patient and every family I work with becomes my reason to keep going. We’re developing new treatments, improving diagnostic tools, and at Phelps Hospital we’re integrating innovative programs like lifestyle medicine to support our patients’ full well-being.”

Dr. Thakar oversaw Sharon’s care at Phelps Hospital, which included surgery followed by about three months of chemotherapy. Sharon is immensely grateful for her outcome, as she lost a sister and a close friend to pancreatic cancer, crediting the care she received from her medical team.

“The reason I am standing here today is because of excellent medicine. And that starts with excellent research,” Sharon told the crowd at the Westchester Walk.

They were joined by Ramanathan M. Seshadri, MD, surgical oncologist at Northwell’s Danbury and Norwalk hospitals, who emphasized the importance of advancing pancreatic cancer research, expanding access to specialized and multidisciplinary care close to home. He also spoke about the collective impact of community support in improving outcomes for patients and families affected by the disease.

A Disease in Urgent Need of Attention
Pancreatic cancer is the third-leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the U.S. This year, approximately 2,930 New Yorkers will die from this disease – most blindsided by a late-stage diagnosis with few treatment options. But there is hope. The 5-year survival rate for pancreatic cancer patients has more than tripled since the Lustgarten Foundation was founded in 1998, climbing from just 4% to 13%. The Foundation’s strategic partnerships with institutions like Northwell Health Cancer Institute and Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory are accelerating progress, bringing new treatments to patients faster and improving outcomes.

Community Engagement and Support
The event was emceed by Lisa LaRocca, Emmy Award-winning journalist from News12 Westchester, with live announcements throughout the morning from Andy Bale of 100.7 WHUD. Their voices helped energize participants and underscore the importance of the cause.  

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