RECYCLING FOR RESEARCH
The United Cancer Research Society keeps getting and giving.
by Jon NalickHaloed by a rainbow of light from a stained glass window, Kip Sturgeon spoke with optimism about what the next few years of cancer research might offer.
"We currently have a long way to go, but with all this progress, the chances of surviving cancer are better now than ever," he said.
Sturgeon, 32, executive director of the nonprofit United Cancer Research Society (UCRS), is doing everything he can to ensure that his optimistic assessment of promising research becomes a reality.
To that end, he and UCRS executive board members Carl Kovach, Edward Jabo, Jr., Matt Le Vesque and Alice Seebach recently presented a $1 million donation on behalf of the Redlands-based organization to the USC/Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center.
The gift completes the five-year, $28 million funding drive for the recently completed Topping Tower. Since the 1980s, the UCRS has given the USC/Norris more than $2 million.
The USC/Norris has recognized the organization's commitment by naming the second floor for Lela Selby, a founding member of the United Cancer Research Society. Selby, Sturgeon's mother, succumbed to lung cancer in 1990, after surviving earlier bouts with breast and skin cancer in the 1960s and '70s.
Sturgeon said that his mother's struggles against the disease strengthened his resolve to do all he could to spur further research and treatment.
"It has taken a lot of sweat to bring in that amount of money. It's great having the second floor named for us to recognize all the work that our people have done through the years," Sturgeon said.
The UCRS raises money by collecting used household items and selling them at second-hand shops throughout California, Nevada and Arizona. Proceeds fund cancer research at many centers; over the years, a significant portion has been earmarked for research at the USC/Norris.
Accepting the contribution on behalf of the USC/Norris, Peter Jones, Ph.D., director of the Cancer Center, said the contribution will help fund a "golden age" of research.
"There will probably be more progress in translating research into clinical medicine in the next few years than ever before. We foresee a really excellent time," Jones said.
Sturgeon praised the USC/Norris as "a world-class institution," adding that, "it's clearly one of the finest in the U.S. and possibly the finest cancer research facility in California."
"They're obviously making great strides toward curing cancer," he said.
Sturgeon says he is especially proud to perform work that can help make a difference in the lives of cancer patients and their families.
"I feel like I'm doing good for the community. I can't imagine doing anything else. I just really enjoy it," he said.
