NEWPORT BEACH MAYOR PROCLAIMS MAY 3 “DR. GRANT BECKSTRAND DAY” IN HONOR OF FOUNDATION’S 35-YEAR MILESTONE
Nonprofit Beckstrand Cancer Foundation Assembles Team of Runners for OC Marathon in Celebration of Late Oncologist’s Contributions, to Raise Funds for Local Cancer Patients

NEWPORT BEACH, California (March 24, 2009) – Newport Beach Mayor, Ed Selich, today proclaimed May 3, 2009 as “Dr. Grant Beckstrand Day,” honoring the 35-year anniversary milestone of the late oncologist’s namesake nonprofit organization, Beckstrand Cancer Foundation.

“Dr. Beckstrand made a significant and positive difference in the lives of so many cancer patients throughout Orange and Los Angeles Counties,” shared Lil Spitzer, Executive Director of Beckstrand Cancer Foundation. “We are honored to continue his work by reaching out to those in need of patient advocacy and financial assistance, and to celebrate a day named in his honor through participation in the upcoming OC Marathon.”

The official proclamation signed by the Mayor and issued by the City of Newport Beach, reads:

Whereas, more than 10 million Americans are living with cancer and more than 1.4 million new cases will be diagnosed this year; and

Whereas, the City of Newport Beach supports efforts that help increase public awareness of cancer and the unique needs of cancer patients; and

Whereas, there are community-based programs that can improve and enhance quality of life for local cancer patients and their families; and

Whereas, Dr. Grant Beckstrand recognized the significance and importance of his patients’ non-medical needs and formed the nonprofit organization Beckstrand Cancer Foundation in 1974 to provide a solution to the financial burden of cancer and its treatment; and

Whereas, I encourage all Newport Beach residents to work together in support of ongoing assistance to area cancer patients and to develop a greater understanding of cancer.

Now, therefore, I Edward Selich, Mayor of Newport Beach, on behalf of the entire Newport Beach City Council, hereby proclaim May 3, 2009 as “Dr. Grant Beckstrand Day” in the City of Newport Beach.

Newport Beach Proclaims May 3 Dr. Grant Beckstrand Day
Both supporters of the Foundation and members from its three auxiliaries – Four Pearls, Junior Pearls and Mini Pearls – comprise the first-ever “Team Beckstrand,” which will be running and walking in the half-marathon, 5K and 1-mile kids run races at the OC Marathon in celebration of the special day. The goal of the team’s participation is to raise awareness for the unique needs of cancer patients and their families. The team is also utilizing the event as a fundraising platform, with all donations marked for Beckstrand Cancer Foundation's Individual Patient Assistance (IPA) Program – providing patient advocacy and financial assistance to meet day-to-day basic needs for food, shelter and access to medical treatment.

To learn more about the contributions of Dr. Grant Beckstrand and the 35-year milestone of Beckstrand Cancer Foundation, visit www.beckstrand.org. For additional information about Team Beckstrand or to pledge a donation, visit www.firstgiving.com/13599.

 

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