Hank Shapiro

Running for a Cure: Honoring My Grandfather and Continuing a Family Legacy

This year, I’m running the NYC Marathon with the Lustgarten Foundation to raise money for pancreatic cancer research—a cause that means a lot to me and my family.

Though I never got the chance to meet my grandfather, Howard Shapiro, his story has always been a part of mine. He passed away from pancreatic cancer before I was born. I’ve grown up hearing about him, and I’ve seen the impact he had on my family. In his memory, my dad organized a charity golf tournament for over 20 years, raising money for the Lustgarten Foundation and helping fund critical cancer research.

Now, it’s my turn to carry that legacy forward—on the run.

I’m proud to be running in honor of my grandfather, for my family, and for the countless others affected by this devastating disease. The Lustgarten Foundation is the largest private funder of pancreatic cancer research, and 100% of every donation goes directly to research thanks to separate funding of their administrative expenses.

If you’re able to support my run, any donation—big or small—makes a real impact. Together, we can bring hope to those fighting pancreatic cancer and help move us closer to a cure.

Thank you so much for your support ❤️