This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Community Corner

Local Heroes Honored for Contributions to Women's Cancer Research

The Nancy Yeary Women's Cancer Research Foundation (NYWCRF) honored the outstanding contributions of Evan Weiss, 27 of Miami, FL and Kristen and Brett Turner, 30 of Newport Beach, CA. Their selfless actions have raised a combined $111,988 to benefit women's cancer research. The awards were given at the ninth annual gala held on April 5, 2014 at the Laguna Art Museum. More than one hundred patients, donors, physicians, staff and friends gathered that evening to raise another $70,000.

 

Evan Weiss, of Miami, FL completed a half marathon in honor of his late girlfriend, Jacqualine Quijada who had been treated for cervical cancer by Dr. Alberto Mendivil. In spite of his grief and a recent back injury, Weiss trained tirelessly to meet his goal of $250,000, all of which will go to the Nancy Yeary Women's Cancer Research Foundation.

Find out what's happening in Newport Beach-Corona Del Marwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

 

"I needed to focus my energy toward something positive," he said. "With every practice run, I pushed myself further and I would have a smile on my face thinking of Jacqualine. She would do anything to be running with me."

Find out what's happening in Newport Beach-Corona Del Marwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

 

With the support of his family, the Quijada family and his clients, Weiss has raised $97,988 towards his goal.

 

"The Nancy Yeary Women's Cancer Research Foundation honored everything Jacqualine would've stood for," Weiss said. "No one should go through what her family and I went through. We will do whatever we can to prevent another family from losing a daughter, sister, girlfriend, mother, aunt or wife to cancer."

 

Janet Rae, Executive Director of the NYWCRF who was at the finish line when Weiss completed the half marathon said, "Evan is truly an amazing young man. His story inspires all of us to live in a positive and loving way and we are honored to receive his gift."

 

Kristen and Brett Turner, 30 of Newport Beach, CA were recognized for annually organizing Hike for the Cure, held in Laguna Beach, CA. They were inspired by Brett's mother, Susan who is facing her third battle with ovarian cancer.

 

"My mother has always embraced a challenge," Brett said. "Whether it's hiking Yosemite's Half Dome or fighting ovarian cancer, she excels at overcoming life's obstacles. Organizing the Hike for the Cure was a great way to embrace her passion for hiking and give hope to others in her shoes. On May 21st, she'll celebrate her fifth anniversary after being diagnosed with cancer. And we're damn proud."

 

The annual Hike for the Cure does not charge participants and yet, more than 200 hikers and donors generously contributed approximately $7,000 each year. The next hike will be scheduled in November 2014.

 

"The care given to Susan by Dr. Mark Rettenmaier is invaluable and when we told him about our plans, the whole team jumped on board," Kristen said. "Their support and enthusiasm goes beyond treating patients in that they are wonderful people who embraced our family and the community."

 

"The generosity of the Turner Family is profound," Rae said. "We watch families go through the journey with their loved ones. This event is truly a blessing not only for our patients, but for our entire community."

 

Through its Board of Directors and long-time community of friends and donors, The Nancy Yeary Women's Cancer Research Foundation supports the research and care by the doctors of Gynecologic Oncology Associates in Newport Beach, CA. Led by Dr. John Micha, the team of physicians actively participate in investigative studies that enhance new treatment options, benefit patients’ quality of life and improve upon the cure rates for women with gynecologic cancer.

 

To learn more about the research performed by the Nancy Yeary Women's Cancer Research Foundation, join future events or make contributions in honor of Jacqualine Quijada or Susan Turner, please visit https://nancycancer.com/donations/

 

###

 

About Nancy Yeary Women's Cancer Research Foundation

The Nancy Yeary Women's Cancer Research Foundation originated from the Gynecologic Oncology Associates Charitable Foundation, created by Dr. John Micha in 1985. Through a generous grant by Bob Yeary, given in the memory of his wife, Nancy, the foundation has developed into a comprehensive research organization which provides uncompromising continuity of care and superior treatment for all patients afflicted with gynecologic cancer. Ninety percent of all contributions go to clinical research to improve patients' lives during and after care, and increase successful treatment rates. For more information about the Nancy Yeary Women's Cancer Research Foundation and to join in the fight against women's cancer, please visit www.NancyCancer.com. Follow us on Facebook at Nancy-Yeary-Womens-Cancer-Research-Foundation.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?