[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 97 (Friday, June 27, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1380-E1381]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     RECOGNIZING UCSD CANCER CENTER

                                 ______
                                 

                     HON. RANDY ``DUKE'' CUNNINGHAM

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 26, 2003

  Mr. CUNNINGHAM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor The UCSD Cancer 
Center Luau and Longboard Invitational. This event brings together 
surfing legends from around the world, celebrities, and corporate 
executives to benefit cancer treatment and research at the Rebecca and 
John Moores UCSD Cancer Center. It features a friendly surfing 
competition between sponsored teams, a Polynesian-themed party 
featuring food, entertainment, live and silent auctions of surf 
memorabilia, and a brief ceremony to honor the winner of the Rell 
Sunn--Queen of Makaha Award. This award recognizes an individual for 
his or her efforts to fight cancer and dedication to helping others in 
ways that embody the true ``aloha'' spirit.
  Since its founding in 1994, the Luau has raised more than $1 million 
for the center. Much of these funds have been used as ``seed money'' 
that finances the initial stages of promising cancer research projects 
and helps them qualify for additional funding from federal or other 
sources.
  The Luau also has earned a worldwide reputation as one of the finest 
and most soulful surfing-themed philanthropic events anywhere. It is 
organized by a passionate grassroots network of local volunteers (many 
of whom are cancer survivors), and is generously supported by a diverse 
collection of prominent, community-minded companies, organizations and 
individuals. This year's event promises to be extra special, as it is 
the 10th anniversary of the UCSD Cancer Center Luau.

[[Page E1381]]

  This event is especially meaningful to me because in the summer of 
1998, I am one of thousands of men who was diagnosed with prostate 
cancer following a simple prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test. During 
my annual examination in the summer of 1998, my doctor noted a slight 
elevation in my PSA test. He followed up with a sonogram and an MRI, 
neither of which revealed the disease. It was only after a prostate 
biopsy that it was determined that I had cancer. Following the 
diagnosis, in consultation with my family, I decided to pursue surgery 
as my treatment option. I am fortunate--early detection saved my life. 
My doctor was familiar with PSA results, and I had healthcare coverage 
for my treatments. As a cancer survivor, I personally understand the 
hope that the groundbreaking research provides to individuals who are 
suffering, or who have a loved one who is battling a disease. I 
understand the importance of finding better ways to diagnose and treat 
this disease which affects so many people in our nation.
  I am proud to support the UCSD Cancer Center, and I urge my 
colleagues to join me in recognizing the Luau and Longboard 
Invitational. This event will help to ensure that the Cancer Center is 
able to continue to provide quality services to those facing cancer, 
and to develop new lifesaving treatments.

                          ____________________