The Moores UCSD Cancer Center today announced the 15th Annual Luau & Longboard Invitational will be held at The Scripps Institution of Oceanography on August 24, 2008 beginning at 7 a.m. The Luau & Longboard Invitational has established a unique international reputation for combining the "aloha" spirit of surfing with the business and scientific community in the fight against cancer.
The event brings together some of the most respected men and women in surfing history with business leaders, scientists, physicians and cancer patients to increase awareness and raise much-needed funds for cancer research. All of the proceeds from the Luau & Longboard Invitational are donated to the Center's leading research programs.
"Over the past 14 years, we have been able to contribute over $2.6 million to the Moores UCSD Cancer Center," said Tori Pitruzello, co-chair of the event. "Our support of one of the top comprehensive cancer care and research institutes in the nation helps translate promising discoveries into better treatment options for cancer patients."
The public is welcome to watch the Longboard Invitational, a surfing tournament where the emphasis is on participation and support for the cause rather than an individual's surfing ability. Each of the sponsored teams of five, including an assigned surfing legend, vies for traditional trophies.
In the afternoon, the Luau features Polynesian dancing, bands, live and silent auctions offering surf memorabilia, and a ceremony to honor the winner of the Rell Sunn -- Queen of Makaha Award. The Rell Sunn award, which goes each year to an individual for his or her dedication to helping others in the fight against cancer in ways that embody the true "aloha" spirit, will be presented to Doris A. Howell, M.D., founder of San Diego Hospice and namesake of the palliative care consultation service at the Moores UCSD Cancer Center.
"We believe that collectively we can beat cancer and that is part of the 'aloha' spirit of the Luau," said Ian Pyka, co-chair of the event. "Together, we can help more people become cancer survivors."
Tori Pitruzello and Ian Pyka also are pleased to announce that Pfizer has supported the event since 2001 and is title sponsor of this year's Luau & Longboard Invitational.
As part of its title sponsorship, Pfizer supports its own team of surfing scientists as well as a Thriver's Team in the longboarding competition comprised of surfers who have successfully fought cancer.
"Pfizer continues to investigate new treatments for cancer, an area of high unmet medical need," said Catherine Mackey, Ph.D., site director, Pfizer La Jolla. "We are very pleased to once again support the Luau & Longboard Invitational. This event is a time for all of us to celebrate medical advances in this area, renew our commitment to finding new therapies and demonstrate our support and respect for the survivors who are joining us today."
The Luau & Longboard Committee also presented the 2nd Annual "Survivor Beach" on August 10, as a way to raise awareness for cancer research. This free public event brought the community together in support of cancer research and honored all individuals in their fight against cancer.
For more information about sponsorship opportunities, team entries, tickets and event activities, contact the Moores UCSD Cancer Center at (858) 822-0023, or visit the Luau's Web site at www.longboardluau.org/.
About the Moores UCSD Cancer Center
The Rebecca and John Moores UCSD Cancer Center was founded in 1979. The Center is one of just 41 in the United States to hold a National Cancer Institute (NCI) designation as a Comprehensive Cancer Center. As such, it ranks among the top centers in the nation conducting basic and clinical cancer research, providing advanced patient care and serving the community through outreach and education programs. The center's mission is to translate promising scientific discoveries into new and better options for the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of cancer, and the amelioration of pain. For more information, visit cancer.ucsd.edu/.
About Pfizer La Jolla
Pfizer La Jolla is part of Pfizer Global Research and Development (PGRD) and one of Pfizer's major research and development sites around the globe. The 33.5-acre campus includes eight buildings with more than 1-million square feet and a new incubator facility (The Pfizer Incubator), where Pfizer is financing life science start-ups. Pfizer La Jolla's 1,000 scientists and staff focus on discovering and developing new medicines to treat many forms of cancer and diseases of the eye. In 2006, the FDA approved Sutent, a drug developed at Pfizer La Jolla, for treating stomach and kidney cancers. Today, Pfizer La Jolla scientists are involved in more than 20 active clinical research programs in Oncology, including Phase III trials in breast, thyroid, non-small-cell lung cancer, and melanoma. |
