Above / At 10AM Sun., July 12, supporters of the 2026 Lustgarten Pancreatic Research Walk cut the ribbon to begin the annual fundraiser along the Naperville Riverwalk that was first organized by Ann Zediker in 2010.
Update, Sun., July 11, 2026 / Below is a gallery of photos from today’s stroll of the Naperville Riverwalk to raise awareness and funds for the Lustgarten Foundation on its mission to find a cure for pancreatic cancer.
With vintage Ford Model A’s on exhibit, Naperville Walk Leader Jen Tedrow presented a Founder’s Award to Ann Zediker and recognized Sally Benson for all her efforts with the Gar Bear Team, raising more than $200,000 during the last 10 years.
Director of External and Community Relations for Lustgarten Foundation, Susan Jacobson, surprised Tedrow with a special “Walk Leader Award 2026.”
Dr. Dera Mahalingam, a medical oncologist in Chicago, provided engaging information about the importance of scientific research that comes via drug trials and little steps. He described some of his trials with the drug Elraglusib that offer hopeful results to individuals with pancreatic cancer. He reported that while Elraglusib was not a cure, when patients received the drug with chemotherapy, they lived longer. Mahalingam says he’s eager to do confirmation trials and hopes individuals with pancreatic cancer could have access to the drug in two years.
Tedrow also expressed great appreciation to all sponsors, volunteers and attendees who supported the Lustgarten Pancreatic Cancer Research Walk.
Watch for additional information about this year’s walk “by the numbers” in the August issue of Positively Naperville. Thank you.
Update, Sat., July 11, 2026 / Naperville Lustgarten Pancreatic Cancer Research Walk is set to put on its 17th annual event on Sun., July 12, at the Riverwalk Grand Pavilion. Under the leadership of Jen Tedrow, this year’s goal is to raise $125,000.
Original Post, Fri., July 10 / The annual walk is a well-organized way to enjoy the great outdoors with families, friends and neighbors, as well as hear from folks representing Lustgarten Pancreatic Cancer Research with their reports from recent research that inspire hope.
So far, Lustgarten Foundation has invested more than $301M in high-risk, high-reward research to accelerate and expand life-saving treatment options. Since 1998, the foundation has led a unique, collaborative, science-focused strategy and has been a driving force in every major advancement in pancreatic cancer research.
During Sunday’s opening ceremony, organizers will provide a brief update regarding “bold, innovative research with the singular mission: transforming pancreatic cancer into a curable disease.”
Tedrow added enthusiastic notes that two special awards also will be presented during opening ceremonies at the Sunday morning walk. Ann Zediker will be recognized for all her efforts to organize and set up the first walk 17 years ago. And Sally Benson and her family will be honored for a decade of raising more than $200,000 in pledged sponsorships.
With fond memories of the first 16 Naperville Lustgarten Pancreatic Cancer Research Walks in all types of weather, folks are looking at a favorable forecast with plenty of sunshine for this Sunday’s walk. Typically, the walk along the Naperville Riverwalk toward Eagle Street and back to the Grand Pavilion is over by noon.
Remember to stay hydrated.
Everybody’s welcome. Entry is free of charge. All pledges support the Lustgarten Foundation for pancreatic cancer research.
- 8:30AM Event Village Opens
- 9:30AM Ceremony Begins
- 10:00AM Walking Starts
Riverwalk Grand Pavilion is located at 912 Honorary Sindt Memorial Court, Naperville, IL 60540. That’s just west of Centennial Beach.
- Standard course is 1.5 or 2.25 miles
- Course is wheelchair and stroller accessible
- Dogs are permitted but must be leashed at all times
To register in advance, visit hope.lustgarten.org/event/naperville/home. Walk-ins are welcome. Simply sign up between 8:30AM and 9:30AM at the Grand Pavilion.
All pre-registration and pledges are appreciated. Contributions for research are welcome any time. Thank you very much from the Naperville leadership team.
To learn more about the Lustgarten Foundation, visit lustgarten.org/leadership/.
Again, for more information or to register in advance, visit hope.lustgarten.org/event/naperville/home.
PHOTO GALLERY 2025 / Click here!
RELATED STORY FROM JULY 2023 / Inspired by Hope to Find a Cure
Post Updated, 5PM Sat., July 11, 2026. Last Updated, 10:30PM, Sun., June 12, 2026.
