Ron Okum (l) and Dr. Jeffrey Weitzel (r)
The American Cancer Society proudly announces its 7th annual distinguished event, the Hope Scores Gala, at the Rose Bowl Stadium on September 17, 2016. This year, the American Cancer Society will recognize two outstanding honorees, Ron Okum, of Ron Okum Insurance Agency, and Dr. Jeffrey Weitzel, of City of Hope, cancer treatment and research center.
Mr. Okum, a cancer survivor, moved to California in 1960. He and his wife of 49 years, Nan, have been outstanding members of the Pasadena and Greater San Gabriel Valley Community. In addition to being the President and Founder of Okum Insurance Company, some of his notable accomplishments include:
• Board Member, American Heart Association
• Member, California State University, Los Angeles Foundation
• Member, San Marino School Foundation
• Chair, Parents Association, University of Southern California
• Chair, Loyola Marymount University Parents Association
• Regent, Loyola Marymount University (1992-present)
• Chairman, The Almansor Center
• Board of Directors, Methodist Hospital Foundation
• Past President, Tournament of Roses (2002) member since 1969
• BA, California State University, Los Angeles
• MA, California State University, Los Angeles
Jeffrey N. Weitzel, MD (City of Hope- Director, Dept of Clinical Cancer Genetics) is a leading genetics researcher, and has devoted his career to helping people and populations at increased risk for developing cancer because of family history or personal risk factors. Dr. Weitzel’s expertise spans multiple disciplines. His clinical, research, and training programs cover everything from cancer risk assessment to targeted therapy, clinical and psychosocial outcomes, and “chemoprevention,” or the use of drugs to lower the risk of developing cancer.
Dr. Weitzel has a long history with the American Cancer Society, having served on multiple cancer committees and receiving multiple research grants from ACS. Two prominent research grants to Dr. Weitzel include:
• Hereditary Breast Cancer and Novel Hispanic BRCA Mutations grant from 1/1/2010 to 12/31/2013; grant award: $334,700.00
• Promoting Participation in Cancer Risk Counseling for Underserved Latinas; grant term: 7/1/2010 – 6/30/2015, grant award: $1,991,000.00 one of the largest recent grants from ACS in California.
The Gala will also recognize San Gabriel Valley resident Grace Pugh for her Volunteer Lifetime Achievement Award from the American Cancer Society California Division. Grace, a two-time breast cancer survivor, has been a dedicated volunteer for over 30 years and has contributed invaluable time and energy to every aspect of the Society’s mission. She has played a leadership role in Relay For Life community events, Reach to Recovery and continues to be an active advocate for cancer patients through the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network. Grace has provided vital information in English and Spanish and free resources to more than 2,700 women at LAC+USC during her monthly visits to the breast cancer outpatient clinic. The Society is proud to honor her dedication and service at the Gala.
The Hope Scores Gala will feature an elegant reception and dining in the beautiful Club Lounge in the Rose Bowl Stadium. For more information about the Hope Scores Gala, please contact the American Cancer Society’s Pasadena office at (626) 795-7774 or email [email protected]. For cancer information anytime, call 1-800-ACS-2345 or visit www.cancer.org.
About the American Cancer Society
The American Cancer Society is a global grassroots force of 2.5 million volunteers saving lives and fighting for every birthday threatened by every cancer in every community. As the largest voluntary health organization, the Society’s efforts have contributed to a 22 percent decline in cancer death rates in the U.S. since 1991, and a 50 percent drop in smoking rates. Thanks in part to our progress,14.5 million Americans who have had cancer and countless more who have avoided it will celebrate more birthdays this year. We’re determined to finish the fight against cancer. We’re finding cures as the nation’s largest private, not-for-profit investor in cancer research, ensuring people facing cancer have the help they need and continuing the fight for access to quality health care, lifesaving screenings, clean air, and more. For more information, to get help, or to join the fight, call us anytime, day or night, at 1-800-227-2345 or visit cancer.org.
