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The event brings together some of the most respected men and women insurfing history with business leaders, scientists, physicians and cancerpatients to increase awareness and raise much-needed funds for cancerresearch. All of the proceeds from the Luau & Longboard Invitational aredonated to the Center's leading research programs.
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"Over the past 14 years, we have been able to contribute over $2.6 millionto the Moores UCSD Cancer Center," said Tori Pitruzello, co-chair of theevent. "Our support of one of the top comprehensive cancer care and researchinstitutes in the nation helps translate promising discoveries into bettertreatment options for cancer patients."
The public is welcome to watch the Longboard Invitational, a surfingtournament where the emphasis is on participation and support for the causerather than an individual's surfing ability. Each of the sponsored teams offive, including an assigned surfing legend, vies for traditional trophies.
In the afternoon, the Luau features Polynesian dancing, bands, live andsilent auctions offering surf memorabilia, and a ceremony to honor the winnerof the Rell Sunn -- Queen of Makaha Award. The Rell Sunn award, which goeseach year to an individual for his or her dedication to helping others in thefight against cancer in ways that embody the true "aloha" spirit, will bepresented to Doris A. Howell, M.D., founder of San Diego Hospice and namesakeof 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 hassupported 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 surfingscientists as well as a Thriver's Team in the longboarding competitioncomprised of surfers who have successfully fought cancer.
"Pfizer continues to investigate new treatments for cancer, an area ofhigh unmet medical need," said Catherine Mackey, Ph.D., site director, PfizerLa Jolla. "We are very pleased to once again support the Luau & LongboardInvitational. This event is a time for all of us to celebrate medical advancesin this area, renew our commitment to finding new therapies and demonstrateour support and respect for the survivors who are joining us today."
The Luau & Longboard Committee also presented the 2nd Annual "SurvivorBeach" on August 10, as a way to raise awareness for cancer research. Thisfree public event brought the community together in support of cancer researchand 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 http://www.longboardluau.org.
About the Moores UCSD Cancer Center
The Rebecca and John Moores UCSD Cancer Center was founded in 1979. TheCenter is one of just 41 in the United States to hold a National CancerInstitute (NCI) designation as a Comprehensive Cancer Center. As such, itranks among the top centers in the nation conducting basic and clinical cancerresearch, providing advanced patient care and serving the community throughoutreach and education
