Celebrate Hope Dinner Supporting Patient Services on Nov. 6

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This year marks the inaugural Celebrate Hope dinner at UC San Diego Moores Cancer Center, honoring and fundraising for services provided by Moores Cancer Center’s Patient and Family Support Services team, as well as featuring the culinary artistry of several celebrity chefs. The event will also recognize the efforts of the Extraordinary Caregiver of the Year, Susan Goldfarb Pidgeon. It will be held on Nov. 6 at 5:30 p.m. in the International House’s Great Hall on UC San Diego’s main campus.

Moores Cancer Center recognizes the importance of caregivers and advocates in providing patient-centered care. Its Extraordinary Caregiver of the Year Award acknowledges an individual or group whose leadership, commitment and support for patients with cancer and their families has made a significant impact on the lives of others.

Susan Goldfarb Pidgeon will be recognized for her strong leadership and for making an incredible difference for people receiving cancer treatment, and their families. Goldfarb Pidgeon knows from firsthand experience how important patient and family support programs and services are. Her husband, Larry Pidgeon, was diagnosed with cancer in June 2012 and passed away in 2013. Yet she was determined to serve as a positive influence on others, volunteering to help other families navigate similar experiences. She also serves on the Moores Cancer Center Board of Visitors and the marketing committee.

“We are grateful for Susan’s leadership, for engaging our community, and for inspiring patients and their support network. By honoring Susan, we recognize the efforts of caregivers everywhere in providing hope and support to those touched by cancer,” said Scott Lippman, MD, director of Moores Cancer Center.

The celebrity chefs participating in Celebrate Hope’s tasting reception include Jon Sloan (Juniper and Ivy), Jeffrey Strauss (Pamplemousse, Del Mar), Aron Schwartz (Marina Kitchen) and Jeffrey Roberto (Sushi on a Roll). They will host a one-hour tasting for guests; wines will be available from a select collection of vintages.

This event is open to the public: Tickets are $150 and are on sale now. Net proceeds from this year’s Celebrate Hope will be designated for program enhancement, identification of new initiatives and providing resources to ensure Patient and Family Support Services programs are available and accessible to all patients with cancer.

To purchase tickets or for more information, please visit http://cancer.ucsd.edu/celebratehope or call 858-246-1570.