Eva La Rue
On “CSI: Miami,” one of the most watched television shows in the world, Eva La Rue stars as the vivacious and brilliant Natalia Boa Vista, a DNA Lab Specialist turned CSI with a knack for grant writing. Her work on the show, as well as her long-running portrayal of Dr. Maria Santos on the ABC daytime drama “All My Children,” has made her one of the most recognizable faces on television today. A testament to both her talent and beauty, Eva has earned Emmy and NAACP nominations, and won the prestigious Gracie Award by the Foundation of American Women in Radio and Television. She was also honored with two American Latino Media Association (ALMA) Awards, and a second Emmy nomination for a song she co-wrote and performed entitled, Dance Again with You.

"After seeing the effects of cancer within my own family, I felt compelled
to step into a role that highlights the unique needs of cancer patients across
the country. As National Spokesperson for Beckstrand Cancer Foundation,
I have an opportunity to be a voice of inspiration and strength for the
vulnerable – and provide help during one of the most difficult times of their
lives. There is hope, and that is the message I want to share with them."

Since 2006, Eva has dedicated her off-screen time to playing an instrumental role in raising awareness for the needs of cancer patients by collaborating with various nonprofit organizations nationwide, including the National Ovarian Cancer Coalition (NOCC). Having lost her grandmother and her great-grandmother to cancer, the cause remains close to her heart and was a catalyst for her involvement in Beckstrand Cancer Foundation. As the Foundation’s National Spokesperson, Eva works to extend Beckstrand’s mission of improving quality of life for cancer patients and their families by providing patient advocacy, financial assistance, counseling, art therapy and education. While research is imperative to finding a cure for this devastating disease, Eva’s objective is to shed light on an equally important part of the fight: The critical day-to-day survival needs of patients as they undergo treatment. Beckstrand Cancer Foundation completes the circle of care for patients by providing help and offering hope to meet these needs.

“Watching a friend go through cancer really opened my eyes to the financial burden that accompanies a cancer diagnosis,” shared Eva. “Before her treatment, both she and her husband worked professional jobs for years and got by quite nicely. But when she got sick and could not work, the couple really struggled to pay their mortgage and provide for their three children. The husband’s income alone was not enough to make ends meet. This really made me realize the importance of Beckstrand Cancer Foundation’s programs. People going through cancer are faced with frightening financial situations when they can’t work and Beckstrand helps them through so that they can remain focused on treatment and recovery.”