Merryl Polen

I'm 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