Each year, the incredible fundraising efforts of the Tour de Pier community allow our three cancer charities to offer vital patient support and fund groundbreaking research. As we gear up for an unforgettable 2025 ride, we’d like to take a moment to reflect on the strides made in 2024 and show how your generosity has empowered each charity to continue making a lasting impact. We can’t wait to see what we’ll achieve together in 2025!
The Uncle Kory Foundation
The Uncle Kory Foundation (UKF) is a non-profit, tax exempt 501(c)(3) organization inspired by the life of Kory Lewis Hunter. UKF’s mission is to advance innovative and collaborative brain cancer research to specifically improve the survival rate and treatment of those diagnosed with brain cancer.
2024 Uncle Kory Foundation Highlights:
- $200,000 funded to Research Seed Grants
- $200,000 in second year Renewal Seed Grants
- $100,000 for the Fight Like the Averys Grant & Renewal Grant
- $25,000 in Collaborative Grants
As of January 2025, UKF has awarded over $4,200,000 grants to 81 projects.
UKF research grants have led to over $2.5 million in additional funding from the National Institute of Health and other funding opportunities. We have eleven research projects currently working towards finding better treatments and, ultimately, a cure for adult and pediatric brain cancer.
The Hirshberg Foundation
Founded in 1997, the Hirshberg Foundation for Pancreatic Cancer Research is a national, nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing pancreatic cancer research, and providing information, resources and support to pancreatic cancer patients and their families.
2024 Hirshberg Foundation Highlights:
- Funded 10 new individual Seed Grants, collectively awarding 131 projects to date. Sponsored a groundbreaking Symposium on KRAS at the American Pancreatic Association (APA) Meeting.
- Funded a new Patient Navigator at the Agi Hirshberg Center for Pancreatic Diseases at UCLA
- Produced the 18th Annual Symposium featuring prominent oncologists, surgeons, investigators, nutritionist, and patient + caregiver panel.
- Provided life-changing support services to 250+ newly diagnosed patients and survivors. Assisted over 120 low-income patients through CancerCare partnership.
- Educated over 10,000 patients & caregivers through presentations, videos, and webinars. Spearheaded awareness campaigns for World Pancreatic Cancer Day and National Pancreatic Cancer Month.
Cancer Support Community Redondo Beach
Since 1987, the mission of Cancer Support Community South Bay has been to ensure that all people impacted by cancer are empowered by knowledge, strengthened by action, and sustained by community. Cancer Support Community South Bay provides support to cancer patients and their loved ones with psychosocial, educational, and mind/body programs all free of charge.
2024 CSC South Bay Highlights:
- 2,047 Unduplicated Individuals served 931 Support Groups (Newly diagnosed breast cancer group, Young Cancer Survivor group, Pancreatic Cancer group, Bereavement groups)
- 799 Healthy Lifestyle Classes (Restorative Yoga, Tai Chi, Meditation, Sound bowl healing, walking groups) 481 Counseling Sessions (Individual, Family, Children)
- 1,103 New Participants (to CSC South Bay across all programming)
- 424 Participated in the Welcome Orientation
- 196 Educational Workshops (Nutrition, Relaxation techniques, Caregiver support).
- 40% Increase in Kids Community programming
- Received the 2024 Daily Breeze Award for the Southbay’s Best Nonprofit Organization
Because of you, our three charities have been able to keep their crucial work going. Your participation, fundraising, and generosity make our research and patient programs possible. We’re excited to see you at the 2025 Tour de Pier—let’s keep making a meaningful impact for the cancer community!