For the 10th year in a row, I’m participating in the UC Irvine Anti-Cancer Challenge during its 10-year anniversary to help fund lifesaving cancer research at the UCI Health Chao Family Comprehensive Cancer Center and CHOC, part of Rady Children’s Health.

As a UCI alumna, 20-year UCI biomedical researcher and retired Associate Director of the Beckman Laser Institute, I am experiencing a full circle moment in my own cancer journey.

As a grad student in the 1970’s, I studied a newly discovered chemical called Taxol, found in Pacific Yew Tree bark, that could block cancer cell division. The research, funded by grants and donations, helped pave the way to human clinical trials.

Today, Taxol (paclitaxel, docetaxel) is an essential chemotherapy agent for breast and ovarian cancer. Last year, after my own breast cancer diagnosis, I received the drug I studied in the lab as part of my own treatment.

My journey is a powerful reminder of why investing in early-stage basic cancer research matters. Seemingly random discoveries turn out to be revolutionary for patients like me.

I encourage all to support the impactful cancer studies at UCI, which can help fund graduate and postdoctoral researchers whose training and research will yield the next generation of revolutionary cancer breakthroughs.

Please consider making a donation to my fundraiser today. Any amount makes a difference and brings us one step closer to a world without cancer.

Thank you!

Sari