Adventureland Foundation Donates $25K To Advance AI Pancreatic Cancer Detection

FARMINGDALE, NY — Adventureland’s Helping Hands Foundation has donated $25,000 to the Manhasset-based David M. Blank Foundation in support of their goal to use AI technology to improve the diagnosis of pancreatic cancer.

President of Adventureland’s Helping Hands Foundation Steve Genuse said they are proud to support the David M. Blank Foundation's mission.

"The early detection of pancreatic cancer is the difference between life and death," he said, adding that the AI-powered technology plays not only a role in detecting cancer, but also "in encouraging insurance companies to using this tool as a standard in preventative care screening."

Gentile said the foundation's mission carries a deeper message centered on family and legacy.

"We are inspired by and impressed with the Blank family's continued commitment to honoring the life and legacy of their father, Dr. David M. Blank," he said.

The David M Blank Foundation's website states that 85 percent of cases of pancreatic cancer are diagnosed too late for life-saving surgery.

"Surviving a pancreatic cancer diagnosis is a race against time," the website states. "Surgery is the only cure, but it’s only possible when the disease is caught early – before it spreads."

According to UT Southwestern Medical Center, a study with data collected from the Texas Cancer Registry showed that 39,157 patients were diagnosed with pancreatic cancer between 2004 and 2018, and only 22 percent of these patients had surgery to remove their tumors. Out of the number of patients diagnosed, only 4,274 had early detection.

With the use of AI technology, the foundation hopes to change current statistics. The David M. Blank Foundation Board Member Chad Blank said the foundation hopes that by investing in clinical effectiveness and advocating for broad policy adoption, AI-based technology can help early detection at a global scale for all patients.

"Our foundation is dedicated to transforming pancreatic cancer outcomes through the integration of Artificial Intelligence in early screening," Blank said.

The David M. Blank Foundation is a member of the World Pancreatic Cancer Coalition (WPCC). There will be a local fundraising event with the foundation's team and special guests, as well as an auction. The event will be at 7 p.m. on May 28 at 46 Hemlock Rd., in Manhasset. Ticket prices range from $125 to $5,000, and attendees must be 21 years or older. More information can be found online.

Adventureland’s Helping Hands Foundation was founded in 2013, and has since then raised more than $2.1 million dollars for scholarships and LI-based organizations. Their annual VIP Night Fundraiser will be this fall on Sep. 18 from 6 to 10 p.m. Their goal is to raise $450,000. Tickets will include unlimited rides, food, and more – information can be found online.