It's About Living
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Dear Friends,
As the sun sets earlier in the day, signaling the holiday celebrations to come, I find myself reflecting on the challenges humankind has faced this year. Globally we've faced natural disasters, economic crisis and social and political upheavals that have left unprecedented humanitarian challenges in their wake.
Yet somehow each event brings forth uncelebrated heroes who perform countless acts of courage and compassion in the face of tragedy and threats to life. I see this every day reflected in the lives of the patients, and their families, that we serve. It is a fitting time to give thanks for all our blessings and to express our gratitude by helping those who are struggling.
The Lazarex Family is deeply grateful to everyone who participated in our September Gala on the U.S.S. Hornet in Alameda. The benefit netted over $255,000 for Lazarex Cancer Foundation to continue its support of end-stage cancer patients seeking to participate in FDA-approved clinical trials.
Events like our Gala could not be successful without the help of our sponsors. You will be reading about those sponsors over the next few issues of this newsletter, starting this week with the USC Dornsife College.
In the coming weeks you will receive an appeal from us asking you to remember Lazarex in your Holiday giving. We hope you will lend your support to help us continue providing the gifts of hope and life. To date Lazarex has provided over 80,938 days or 222 years of life to end stage cancer patients who were told nothing else could be done!
Please take a moment to reflect on all the goodness you help make possible through Lazarex. After all, it's about Living. Sincerely,
 Dana Dornsife
President, Lazarex Cancer Foundation
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"Battle for a Lifetime" Gala Nets Over $255K
Photo by Peek Media
On September 29, 2012 435 people attended Lazarex Cancer Foundation's "Battle for a Lifetime" gala on board the U.S.S. Hornet, a retired aircraft carrier docked in Alameda, CA. Guest speaker Louis Zamperini, a 96 year old author, WWII Bombardier, POW and 1936 Olympian, received 2 standing ovations after inspiring us with his message of courage, resiliency and forgiveness.
Patients and patient's family members were among the guests and shared their own stories of courage and trials with other attendees.The event netted over $255,000 for Lazarex's Program Services!
The Lazarex Family is deeply grateful to everyone who participated in our September Gala. From from staff and volunteers to Very Important Patients and their families, to sponsors, in kind donors, and attendees - YOU have inspired us with your enthusiastic support and generosity. We cannot say 'Thank You' enough.
Gala photos are for sale and viewing through Peek Media. A portion of the sales benefits Lazarex Cancer Foundation. Click Here: Gala Photo Gallery
View the Gala Recap video here: https://vimeo.com/53659208
 | | Gala for a Lifetime |
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Very Important Patient (VIP): Joshua
"My purpose for this letter is to thank you, Lazarex, from the bottom of our hearts. You and your wonderful staff have been a God send!! I am always telling family, friends, neighbors about Lazarex Cancer Foundation and they are all amazed and relieved (as am I). I have new found respect for Lazarex, and for your donors." Carmela, Joshua's Mom
Nine year old Joshua (with glasses in photo above) has been battling a non-operable brain tumor for the past 6 years of his life. It just seems that when he is ON chemotherapy the tumor doesn't grow, but when he is OFF chemotherapy for an extended period of time (longer than two weeks) the pesky tumor grows. The poor kid has experienced more than half his life on chemotherapy, this is his "normal"-being hairless, and feeling nauseous all the time.
Joshua had been receiving treatments locally at the world renowned Cleveland Rainbow Babies and Children Children's Hospital but the specialists had come to the "end of their rope" regarding chemotherapy options and suggested a clinical trial in Washington D.C. at Children's National Medical Center. Travel to D.C. (from Cleveland) would be every 28 days for 11 months. This trial is very specific to his type of tumor.
Fortunately, Joshua's family received a cancer resource book. From it they contacted Lazarex Cancer Foundation. Lazarex is helping to cover some of the travel related expenses while they are in Washington D.C. Joshua is in the end of this trial and doing great! He has a full head of hair and enjoyed one of his first summers (that he can remember) NOT on the couch. He had a big MRI recently and the news was positive. This chemotherapy seems to be suppressing the tumor with very little side effects. It is in tablet form which he takes daily. Everyone is hoping that this trial will be published (after Josh successfully finishes it in December 2012) and more kids who are affected by cancer can enjoy summer with energy and not on the couch like Josh.
Patients like this month's VIP, Joshua, are benefiting from support like this every day. Please help us by who you think would be interested in Lazarex.
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Anderson Carpet Golf Tournament
Sold out tournament raises friends and $10,798 for Lazarex patient program services.
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Tom Cristophe, President of Anderson Carpet, presents a check to Susan Sappington and Dana Dornsife of Lazarex Cancer Foundation
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On October 8th the folks at Anderson Carpet & Linoleum Sales Company were kind enough to hold a golf tournament benefiting Lazarex Cancer Foundation at the Mira Vista Country Club in El Cerrito, CA. We are thrilled to report that the event raised $10,798 for our patient program services. Please join us in thanking Anderson Carpet. When considering them for your own floor covering needs you can visit their showrooms in Oakland and Sacramento, CA.
Anderson Carpet: http://andersoncarpet.net/
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Friends & Family of 1515 Restaurant
& Lounge Golf Tournament
Golf Tournament raises over $20,000 for local charities, $7,000 for Lazarex Cancer Foundation.
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Jack and Tony Dudam, owners of 1515 Restaurant & Lounge, present Susan Sappington and Cynthia Sandoval with a check for $7,000
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On August 6th this sold out golf tournament held at the Round Hill Country Club in Alamo, CA raised over $20,000 to benefit local East Bay charities. Friends of the 1515 Annual Turkey Give-Away, The Tony LaRussa Animal Rescue Foundation, Lazarex Cancer Foundation, the Hospice of East Bay and others were among the benefiting charities. The tournament raised $7,000 for Lazarex's program services! We extend out heartfelt thanks to the Dudam's and the family, friends, businesses and volunteers who participated in making this a successful and fun event.
1515 Restaurant & Lounge, Walnut Creek, CA: http://1515wc.com/ |
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Thank You to Our Annual Sponsors:
USC Dornsife College
The USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences is the liberal arts center of the University of Southern California, teaching more than 10,000 undergraduates. It offers instruction in the humanities, the natural sciences and the social sciences, leading to bachelor of arts and bachelor of science degrees.
The USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences combines two "worlds" - the world of the self-contained liberal arts school, with small classes and close working relationships between students and faculty, and the larger world of the research university, where new ventures and new ideas are being explored by internationally known scholars. This combination makes the college a supportive and exciting place to learn.
The USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences offers many opportunities for post-baccalaureate study. Graduate programs within the college leading to master's degrees and doctor of philosophy degrees are administered through the USC Graduate School.
USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences: http://dornsife.usc.edu/
View the USC Dornsife Sponsor video: USC Dornsife Video
 | | USC Dornsife - Lazarex Cancer Foundation Annual Sponsor |
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 Team for Life Events
Joining Team for Life gives you the chance to directly support Lazarex Cancer Foundation by participating in any endurance event where Lazarex has an official team OR by creating your
own fundraising event.
View all Team for Life events at: www.teamforlifelcf.org
ING NYC Marathon canceled due to Super Storm Sandy. Read the recap: ING NYC recap
Lazarex Cancer Foundation is very proud and appreciative of our small but mighty "Tea m for Life" team of runners who fund raised over $13,000 to date. 
We extend a grateful Thank You to Douglas Dahlberg, Robert Fronjian, Andrew Georgakopoulos, Anntriniece Napper, Hattie Ragone and David Wingard for their efforts and support.
Due to the cancellation all of our 2012 NYC Marathon registered runners are guaranteed entry in the 2013 NYC Marathon.
Team for Life is registering participants for these 2013 races:
Tinker Bell 1/2 MarathonWhen: January 20, 2013 Where: Anaheim, CA  Introducing the inauguralRock 'n' Roll San Francisco 1/2 MarathonWhen: April 7, 2013
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About Lazarex Cancer Foundation
Lazarex Cancer Foundation supports end stage cancer patients and the cancer community by providing assistance with costs for clinical trial participation, navigation through clinical trial options, and community outreach and education. We believe that together we can build a bridge to hope. To learn more, please contact us at 925.820.4517, toll-free at 877.866.9523, or visit us at www.lazarex.org.
      
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