The Amador Cancer Research Foundation presented UC Davis pediatric oncologist and clinical researcher Elysia Alvarez with the 2023 Christine and Helen Landgraf Memorial Research Award. The $50,000 award, presented at the foundation’s 16th Annual Spaghetti Western Dinner, will help Alvarez expand her investigation of disparities in cancer survival outcomes among adolescents and young adults.
Alvarez’s research focuses on improving the care of adolescents and young adults who have cancer by identifying barriers that have limited their access to treatment. She has expertise in treating young patients with solid tumors and co-leads the Child, Adolescent, and Young Adult Sarcoma Clinic at the cancer center.
The Spaghetti Western food and wine event at Cooper Vineyards in Plymouth raises money each summer for the foundation’s annual research grant presentation.
History of the memorial fund
The Christine and Helen S. Landgraf Memorial Fund has given annual grants to doctors and research scientists at UC Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center since 1973. John and Helen Landgraf, longtime residents of Sacramento and Sutter Creek, established the endowment in memory of their daughter, Christine, who died from Hodgkin’s lymphoma at the age of 27.
The memorial fund awards an annual scholarship to an early-career faculty member who is engaged in cancer research.
“I am very grateful for our board and community who so generously give their support to this cause,” said Cathy Landgraf, who organizes the annual event in memory of her mother and sister.
Event sponsors
Presentation event sponsors include UC Davis Health, Cooper Vineyards, Jackson Rancheria Casino and Resort, Ken and Charlene Loveland, Jim and Suzy Gullett, 57th Street Antique and Design Center, 3 Fish Studios art gallery, and David and Diane Logan.
