Team Mustache

For Dad/Howard Ebert

It's nearly autumn again - another year has flown by, a pandemic still coursing across the globe, and we've all experienced pivots, grace, and positive energy through it all. While the world is still in a strange place, this year, on October 6, 2024 Lustgarten Foundation will once again hold the Long Island Pancreatic Cancer Research Walk in person to celebrate the progress made in fighting pancreatic cancer and the hope we have for the future! Whether you're interested in walking where you are or in person beside the salty spray of those healing Atlantic Ocean waves, please consider making a donation to honor and remember Dad/Howard, join the fight against pancreatic cancer, and support the spirit of living everyday as a bonus day.

As you all know, my family and I have been deeply impacted by pancreatic cancer, and unfortunately, we’re not alone. Dad's sister and father both died from this horrific disease. While he had a 12+ year cancer free survival, Dad continued to be a part of the Lustgarten family. Always willing to extend himself to those dealing with a diagnosis or along the journey, Dad was there with a hug, a smile, a story, a shoulder to cry on, and an ear to lend. He embraced his role as an ambassador of survival and focused his story on a positive outlook, one that looked towards laughter and love, and one that focused on thriving – living everyday as a Bonus Day!

Throughout Dad's diagnosis, treatment, and bonus days, Lustgarten Foundation, the nation’s largest private funder of pancreatic cancer research was there with us every step of the way. Together, we walked at this event many times with Dad's memorable, infectious smile uplifting the spirits of countless people. Whether in the survivor's tent, at the ribbon cutting, in the Zumba warmup, along the boardwalk, or with a hug along the way, Dad was there. Virtually, in spirit, or in person, it's our goal to continue that tradition. 

There are countless ways to honor and remember Dad/Howard. Love fiercely, go play outside, eat chocolate cake for breakfast (it's always a good idea), grab your shoes and get out on the trail, wear a hat, take in a round of golf, smile at strangers, take a nap, head out on a bike ride (be sure to stop for a coffee and a pastry along the way), and be grateful for the bonus days are only some of them. Supporting the Lustgarten Foundation and the fight to end pancreatic cancer has been near and dear to his heart and ours for decades. It's been nearly 7 years since Dad's last official ride - but wherever we may roam, we know he's with us every step of our journeys. Please join us and help continue to honor and remember Dad/Howard's zest for life by extending that possibility of bonus days to others. 

Thanks to separate funding to support administrative expenses, 100% of your donation goes directly to pancreatic cancer research. Scientists are discovering new research and new advancements every day. With your support, we will raise more money for research advancements than we ever could alone. By joining the fight, you are making a difference for thousands of pancreatic cancer patients!

With love, gratitude, and always an eye towards more bonus days,

Stacey, Keri, Matthew, Ellen, Mathew, Jason, Kelly, and the grandkids