UCI’s Chao Family Comprehensive Cancer Center held its third annual “Anti-Cancer Challenge” last month, raising $620,000 for cancer research.
More than 185 teams were involved, totaling close to 3,000 participants.
The teams competed in 14, 35, 60, and 100-mile bicycle rides and 5K and 10K run/walks. While events were carried out, a festival was held at UCI’s nearby Aldrich Park for the friends and family of those competing in the challenge.
“It was gratifying to see more than 3,000 people enjoying the festival this year,” said Jennifer Sarrail, the executive director for the event. She said the Anti-Cancer Challenge “looks forward to partnering with even more companies and individuals to make the 2020 event bigger and better.”
Both UCI’s mascot the Anteater, and the Anaheim Ducks’ mascot Wild Wing, were in attendance mingling with attendees and keeping kids entertained at the festival.
At least 18 cancer studies and early-phase clinical trials will proceed forward with funding from the fundraiser. The money raised over the course of the day set a new record for the event.
“Each additional study or early-phase clinical trial that people help to fund will reveal something new about cancer, improving our ability to diagnose, prevent or treat these devastating diseases,” said Richard Van Etten, the center’s director.
More than $30M Donated
The Chao Cancer Center is the only institute-designated cancer center in Orange County; more than 5,600 people received care from it last year.
The center is responsible for funding more than two dozen novel approaches to the treatment of cancer.
Since 1995, members of the Chao family have donated $30 million to the campus to reshape cancer research and healthcare in Orange County, according to UCI.
In addition to the cancer center, the H.H. Chao Comprehensive Digestive Disease Center at UCI Medical Center has also received contributions.
Chinese immigrants Allen Chao and his brother-in-law David Hsia in 1984 began Watson Pharmaceuticals, which became a global generic drug manufacturing company that eventually acquired Actavis, which became Allergan.
Some of the Anti-Cancer Challenge day sponsors included Monarch Beach Resort, LA Fitness, Anaheim Ducks, Honda Center, Dunkin’, Pacific Ventures Management LLC, Metagenics Inc., B. Braun Medical Inc., and several others.
