Community | EVA LA RUE, BECKSTRAND CANCER FOUNDATION SPOKESPERSON
CSI: MIAMI’S EVA LA RUE
NAMED NATIONAL SPOKESPERSON
Actress Lends Time and Talent to Help Provide Advocacy & Direct Support for Cancer Patients
Beckstrand Cancer Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to improving quality of life for cancer patients and their families, today announced that Emmy-nominated actress and humanitarian, Eva La Rue, will serve as its National Spokesperson. The announcement coincides with the Foundation’s launch of a nationwide scholarship program aimed at college-bound teens who currently have cancer or who have survived childhood cancer.
Now in its thirty-sixth year, Beckstrand Cancer Foundation has provided the Southern California cancer community with patient advocacy and financial assistance programs to support individuals and families with cancer as they undergo chemotherapy and radiation. The aid has enabled patients to continue treatment uninterrupted by helping with day-to-day expenses such as rent/mortgage, food, utilities, transportation, medical insurance and copayments. The Foundation’s pediatric-focused programs have provided behavioral counseling, support with school reintegration, art therapy, and special gifts during the holidays. The addition of the Andi Collins Memorial Scholarship Program will provide tuition awards to qualified students nationwide who exhibit both scholastic achievement and financial need.
Best known as the vivacious and brilliant Natalia Boa Vista, a DNA Lab Specialist turned CSI on “CSI: Miami,” and her long-running portrayal of Dr. Maria Santos on the ABC daytime drama “All My Children,” Eva La Rue has been active for years in her support of cancer-affiliated causes which impact the well-being of women and children. The cause is near and dear to her heart; both her grandmother and great-grandmother were lost to cancer.
“After seeing the effects of cancer within my own family, I felt compelled to step into a role that highlights the unique needs of cancer patients across the country,” said La Rue. “As National Spokesperson for Beckstrand Cancer Foundation, I have an opportunity to be a voice of inspiration and strength for the vulnerable – and provide help during one of the most difficult times of their lives. There is hope, and that is the message I want to share with them.”
Actress Eva LaRue and Sheila E
As National Spokesperson, La Rue will be the face and voice of the Foundation and offer its programs to individuals across the nation as an effective way to make a difference in the quality of life for a cancer patient. In support of this effort, La Rue will also lend her name and likeness, and make herself available for national media opportunities that allow her to raise awareness for the unique needs of children and adults with cancer.
Each year, nearly 1.4 million new cases of cancer are diagnosed and little support is available to assist these patients with day-to-day living and basic needs during their time of hardship and survival. This is where Beckstrand Cancer Foundation serves as the missing link between treatment and research. Success in this fight will rely heavily on volunteers and donors expanding their support to include the Foundation’s Diamond & Pearl Ball annual black-tie gala and the Hope & Harmony 5K fundraiser run/walk.
“Whether bringing attention to the psychosocial needs of children with cancer, or helping increase direct financial assistance to families coping with the burden of the disease, Eva is genuinely committed to making a positive and meaningful difference,” shared Lil Spitzer, Executive Director of Beckstrand Cancer Foundation. “We feel wholeheartedly that she is the perfect fit for the Foundation and we’re thrilled Eva has agreed to join us in our mission of improving quality of life for cancer patients and their families nationwide.”
About Beckstrand Cancer Foundation
Beckstrand Cancer Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization founded in 1974 by Dr. Grant Beckstrand and a group of doctors specializing in the treatment and care of cancer patients. The Foundation’s goal has been to improve and enhance the quality of life for cancer patients and their families, a mission achieved through unique programs which provide financial assistance, patient advocacy, supportive counseling and practical help to patients in the midst of their cancer treatment and struggling to cope with critical survival needs. For more information, visit www.Beckstrand.org.
About Eva La Rue
Eva La Rue is an award-winning actress best known for her memorable roles on some of the world’s most watched television shows, including “CSI: Miami” and “All My Children.” She has been honored with two American Latino Media Association (ALMA) Awards and won the prestigious Gracie Award by the Foundation of American Women in Radio and Television. She has also received two Emmy nominations. Since 2006, La Rue has dedicated her off-screen time to playing an instrumental role in raising awareness for the needs of cancer patients. She currently serves as National Spokesperson for Beckstrand Cancer Foundation. To learn more, visit her official website at www.EvaLaRue.com.
Exclusive Interview from the 2007 Alma Awards
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l3eZbnIVKMo
