Over the weekend, over 650 people gathered at Adventureland Amusement Park for the Louis W. Fortunoff Family Fun Night.
Hosted by Jennie Fortunoff and her children Lara and Jonathan Fortunoff, in memory of her late husband, Louis W. Fortunoff, who succumbed to pancreatic cancer at age 47 in 2012; the event raised an extraordinary $300,000 in support of the Lustgarten Foundation for Pancreatic Cancer Research. Considering this event, the funds contributed and raised by the Fortunoff family in support of the Lustgarten Foundation’s mission to transform pancreatic cancer into a curable disease is more than $2 million dollars.
“I am proud to work with and serve on the Board of Directors of the Lustgarten Foundation in loving memory of Louis and on behalf of all patients and families affected by this terrible disease,” said Jennie Fortunoff. “The event marked this significant 10th anniversary of his passing in the most meaningful way, with a fun night for kids and adults alike, while raising significant funds for pancreatic cancer research.”
After his diagnosis, through mutual friends, Louis and Jennie were connected with Dr. David Tuveson, at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory. Tuveson provided advice, and Louis’ tissue was used to make the first organoid for pancreatic cancer after his passing.
In November 2020, with the support of the Lustgarten Foundation, CSHL opened a new 2,200-square-foot organoid facility that is playing a significant role in the PASS-01 clinical trial.
The lab is growing and testing organoids for trial participants and will share its work with outside researchers, enabling physicians to make faster, better-informed decisions about which drugs are likely to be most effective.
Just last month, a dedication ceremony in memory of Louis and his mother, Helene, was held at the CSHL organoid facility recognizing the Fortunoff family’s contributions to the program throughout the years.
“We believe community is power, and research is fundamental to transforming pancreatic cancer into a curable disease,” said Linda Tantawi, Lustgarten Foundation CEO, “Advancing cancer science relies on the support of families, like the Fortunoffs, who provide invaluable resources and funding to the Lustgarten Foundation programs. We are so grateful to Jennie and all the supporters who came out on Oct. 9.”
