Survivor Beach Brings Community Together in Fight to ‘Wipe Out’ Cancer June 10

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Last year at Survivor Beach, the surfboard line reached more than five football field lengths down the beach.

The beach of La Jolla Shores will be home to a possible record-breaking line of surfboards on June 10, as hundreds of cancer survivors, caregivers, friends and surfers gather together in solidarity in the fight to wipe out cancer. As part of UC San Diego Moores Cancer Center’s 6th annual Survivor Beach, attendees will line surfboards along the shore, nose-to-tail, from Scripps Pier down La Jolla Shores, in a stunning visual display. Last year, the line reached more than five football field lengths. Sponsored by biotechnology company Genentech, Survivor Beach is free and open to the public. The event will take place from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m.

Jessica Yingling, Ph.D., established Survivor Beach six years ago to bring the community together in honor of all individuals who have fought against cancer and to show support for the research that will help make more cancer patients survivors.

 “Survivor Beach offers a unique and meaningful way for anyone who has been touched by cancer to gather and receive support and inspiration,” said Yingling, chair of Survivor Beach. The event precedes the Luau and Longboard Invitational in August, which will raise funds for research, patient care, and outreach and educational programs at UC San Diego Moores Cancer Center, the region’s only Comprehensive Cancer Center, designated by the National Cancer Center Institute.

“The line of surfboards conveys the ‘aloha spirit’ felt at both Survivor Beach and the Luau and Longboard Invitational. It is a visual reminder of the saying, ‘many hands make light work,’” Yingling continued. “Fighting cancer takes many hands: the strength of the patient, the attentiveness of the doctors and medical staff, the persistence of the researchers and the support of family, friends and the community. The line reminds us that together we are stronger than one.  Together we can fight this disease and win.”

“Survivor Beach provides a stunning visual representation of San Diego’s support in the quest for a cure for cancer,” said Scott Lippman, MD, director of the UC San Diego Moores Cancer Center. “Generous support from our community and corporate partners helps our physicians and scientists find ways to defeat cancer and continue to provide the most compassionate care possible to patients and families.”

In addition to the record-breaking attempt, speakers will share their inspirational stories about fighting cancer, local musician Rob Mehl will sing original, surf-inspired songs and Heali’i’s Polynesian Revue will perform authentic dances. The person or group to bring the most surfboards for the Survivor Beach line-up will receive a special prize. Participants will also have the chance to win a pair of tickets to the annual UC San Diego Moores Cancer Center Luau and Longboard Invitational, which will take place Sunday, August 19.

Celebrating 19 years of surfing for a cure, the Luau and Longboard Invitational has raised more than $5 million to fund groundbreaking cancer research at UC San Diego Moores Cancer Center.  For more information about sponsorship opportunities, team entries and tickets for the Luau and Longboard Invitational, contact UC San Diego Moores Cancer Center at (858) 534-6797 or visit longboardluau.org. 

Survivor Beach will also help kick off Moores Cancer Center’s Cancer Survivor Week 2012, which is a celebration designed to renew, recharge and rejuvenate those with experience in battling cancer. For more information on Cancer Survivor Week 2012, please visit cancer.ucsd.edu.

Survivor Beach will take place from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. on June 10 on the beach by Scripps Pier. To register, please visit survivorbeach.eventbrite.com.