We're fundraising for...
It has been 10 years.
10 years of fundraising.
10 years of advocating.
10 years of sharing my mother, Laura Polen’s story — with friends, with family, and with every person willing to listen.
10 years of connecting — rekindling friendships, building new bonds, and discovering just how far love and support can reach.
10 years ago, my mom was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. It was a moment that changed everything for my family. We were suddenly thrown into a fight we never expected, facing a disease that is often relentless and cruel.
10 years ago, I made a promise: that my mother’s life, her strength, and ultimately her spirit would never be forgotten. That her story would fuel action. And that one day, no family would have to face what ours did — not without answers, not without hope.
That same year, I joined the fight in another way: I started fundraising for the Lustgarten Foundation with my team, LP Crew. At first, it was about supporting my mom—showing her that we weren’t helpless, that we could take action, and that we were part of something bigger than ourselves.
Because of you, we’ve come this far.
Because of your generosity, your belief, and your willingness to stand beside us, we’ve raised awareness, supported critical research, and built a growing community that refuses to give up.
But we’re not done yet.
This October, we walk again — together.
Please join us on Saturday, October 5th at Jones Beach, Field 5 for this year’s walk:
8:30 AM – Event Village opens
9:30 AM – Ceremony begins
10:00 AM – Walk starts
Bring your energy, your stories, and your heart. Whether you walk in honor of someone you love or simply to support the cause, your presence makes a difference.
And if you can’t make it in person — or even if you can — please consider donating to our team, LP Crew, here:
👉 https://hope.lustgarten.org/fundraisers/lpcrew
This cause will always be personal to me. My mom’s story is my why. And until there’s a cure, LP Crew and I will keep walking, fundraising, and fighting for a future without pancreatic cancer
Love,
Merryl
Our Achievements

Top 10 Team

Top 3 Team

Received 15 Donations

Raised $500

Raised $1000

Reached Goal
Thank you to our Donors

$1.5k
Howard Karten

$211
Robbie And Larry

$136
Auntie And Uncle Keith
Mazel Tov! All our love on a beautiful milestone!

$133
Love, Janet And Jessica Rashes
Missing our dear friend, Laura!

$128
Betty, George, Tina, Ray, Robbie, Larry, Janet, Jim
In honor of Keith Denton's 80th birthday Betty and George Borsok Janet Rashes Robbie and Larry Kotkin Jim Polen Ttina and Ray Jensen

$107
Carole And Ken Ellert
Years may pass but our memories of our dear friend Laura are always in our hearts. We are proud to be part of The Lp Crew as we work to end this disease. Carole and Ken Ellert

$107
Ellen And Neil Miller
Laura is always in our thoughts. It is our pleasure to participate.

$107
Rob & Alyson Seigal
Praying for a cure! Love to the Polen family always.

$107
Allan Myerson

$107
Betty And George Borsuk
Laura will always be with us. Our memories will never be forgotten

$107
Laura Schulte
Your memory continues to be a blessing... xoxo

$104
Barrie And Steve Tillinger

$75
James Polen
This donation is made in honor of Marilyn Hochhauser's 75th Birthday. Many happy returns to the day!

$55
Lisa And Seth Borsuk

$55
Melissa Cohn

$55
Carole And Ken Ellert
This donation is in honor of our dear friend. Keith Denton , in celebration of his milestone 80th birthday, With love, Carole and Ken ❤️

$55
Michelle

$53
Betty And George Borsuk

$50
Rhonda And Barry

$50
Beth And Marty

$50
Alycia

$28
Denise Pugliese

$28
Diane Schwartz

$28
Mina Tillinger

$28
Amy Sherman

$28
Alycia Kantor

$28
Lisa (mack) Katchman And Family

$27
Carole And Kenny Ellert

$27
Tina Jensen

$25