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Location 3 Magazine - Dec. 3, 2007
A mix of glam and grace aptly described The Beckstrand Cancer Foundation's 2007 The Diamond & Pearl Ball. Gala chairs, Kirsten Prosser, Joni D'Amato, Tami Kahn and committee members transformed the Balboa Bay Club into an exotic Evening in the Orient. Deep red and gold hues dominated the decor. A musician playing a Chinese harp called a Zheng offered mood music during the silent auction held under a clear Newport Beach sky studded with stars. Thanks to gala sponsor, Van Cleef & Arpels, sparkle of the bling kind cast its own glow.
Grace was in abundance all evening long. Cancer patient and Beckstrand recipient, Stacy Farnsworth, shared her story of diagnosis of a virulent cancer that required experimental drugs her insurance company wouldn't cover-a story common to cancer patients. With so many advances in cancer research, insurance companies often lag behind. Beckstrand Cancer Foundation offered Stacey a primer on dealing with her insurance company and walked her through the process that culminated when she began life saving treatment.
The Diamond & Pearl Ball paid tribute to OC leader Tom Riach and his wife Joan for their dedication to OC philanthropy. More grace in evidence when Joan, looking glam in red ad accompanied by granddaughters Elissa, Kelsey, and Kristen, talked about Tom's battle with cancer. Tom Riach was a blessed man. When cancer struck, he had no need for services provided by Beckstrand. However, Joan had a dear friend whose daughter was diagnosed during that time. She talked to L3 about the help her friend received from this organization Joan Riach calls "a lifesaver." Like so many, Joan's friend had to deal with the fear created by a cancer diagnosis as she sough solutions to financial obstacles challenging her daughter's treatment. Joan asked the question many people do, "How does the average person afford treatment that can cost thousands of dollars every single day?"
Beckstrand Cancer Foundation is relatively new to OC. The Diamond & Pearl Ball was the Foundation's fourth gala, but it's not new to the national community of cancer patients and families. Established in 1974 by Dr. Grant Beckstrand, for more than 30 years, the Foundation has improved and enhanced the quality of life for cancer patients and families in need. Of Beckstrand's programs and services, the most critical is Individual Patient Assistance, IPA, which provides direct financial assistance, advocacy, counseling and community resources to patients struggling to cope with critical survival needs. Making crucial payments advocating and intervening with financial institutions allow patients to focus on treatment and recovery. IPA is designed specifically to avoid unnecessary hardship by filling gaps in conventional social services. IPA cases are initiated by partners in the healthcare community including UCI, Hoag, CHOC, PSMG, USC Norris, UCLA, Long Beach Memorial and City of Hope. Oncologists and social workers match patient needs to the IPA program and refer them directly to Beckstrand Cancer Foundation. All prospective clients are evaluated to determine needs and available resources. Following admission into the program, Beckstrand develops a transitional care strategy. Counseling and community resources are offered and financial help is available until other interventions can begin. Financial assistance is available through: medical co-payments & health insurance premiums, prescription reimbursement, rent & mortgage assistance, utilities, auto payments & insurance. To apply for patient assistance, clients must reside in Los Angeles or Orange County, be recently diagnosed with cancer (within 1 year) and currently undergoing cancer treatment.
Though the topic of cancer can cause the heart to feel heavy, The Diamond & Pearl Ball supporters know that laughter is the best medicine. Lots of it could be heard in the BC ballroom lit in red silhouettes of sponsors' logos, Neiman Marcus and Van Cleef and Arpels, flashing on every wall. ABC's George Pennacchio emceed the party that served Asian inspired fare and excellent wines from gala sponsors Mondavi and FOLIO Fine Wine Partners. Newport Lexus's 400 H Hybrid and Toyota of San Juan Capistrano's Prius were driven home by raffle winners. The live auction was just that, lively, made more so when Lydia Mondavi took over the microphone to give detail to Bid #6: The Ultimate Napa Valley Getaway. Ultimate indeed. This weekend getaway
included private jet travel, dinner at Lydia and Rob Mondavi's home, cuisine prepared by Mondavi executive chef and cases of Mondavi's best. There's more. Also offered, a Neiman Marcus at Fashion Island personalized beauty consultation party for 12 with Lydia Mondavi featuring her new cosmetic line, 29 Cosmetics and make up artists sharing beauty tips and secrets-the kind of party girl friends love. Bidding began brisk and quickly turned into frenzied fun. Gala guests stood up to get a better view of the volley between two gentlemen; that is, until a third jumped into the bidding war that ended when Co-chair Tami Kahn's hubby Mike won the bid for $35,000. Lydia Mondavi then offered a second Ultimate Napa Valley Getaway for the same price that sold to devoted Foundation supporters, Mike and Tara Shapiro.
About the glam: Executive Director Lil Spitzer, wearing several jewels from Van Cleef & Arpels, made sure guests knew all that glitter was available for the right amount of gold. Supporters Dave & Holly Wilson's bid of 42,500 purchased a stunning Van Cleef & Arpels pendant and drop earrings. The Wilson's then donated it back to Beckstrand. It was that kind of evening. After Lil Spitzer thanked Drs. Neil Barth and Simon Tchekmedyian for their advocacy, she told gala guests about the Foundation's support of the new Ronald McDonald house being built near Miller Children's Hospital in Long Beach. Board president James Stephen came to the podium to announce the formation of a new OC auxiliary, Four Pearls of the Beckstrand Cancer Foundation.
Formed by Lauren Collins after her 16 year old sister Andi lost her battle with breast cancer, the uniqueness of this group is the age of volunteers, high school and college age young men and women, offering more proof that it does take a village to battle this disease that can strike anyone.
Beckstrand Cancer Foundation offers just that-a foundation to fight the good fight against cancer that last year struck 1.4 million Americans
