Moores UCSD Cancer Center Luau & Longboard Invitational Celebrates 15 Years of ‘Surfing For A Cure’ on August 24

                PFIZER LA JOLLA IS THIS YEAR'S TITLE SPONSOR



    LA JOLLA, Calif., Aug. 21 /EMWNews/ -- The Moores UCSD Cancer Center

today announced the 15th Annual Luau & Longboard Invitational will be held

at The Scripps Institution of Oceanography on August 24, 2008 beginning at

7 a.m. The Luau & Longboard Invitational has established a unique

international reputation for combining the "aloha" spirit of surfing with

the business and scientific community in the fight against cancer.



    The event brings together some of the most respected men and women in

surfing history with business leaders, scientists, physicians and cancer

patients to increase awareness and raise much-needed funds for cancer

research. All of the proceeds from the Luau & Longboard Invitational are

donated to the Center's leading research programs.



    "Over the past 14 years, we have been able to contribute over $2.6

million to the Moores UCSD Cancer Center," said Tori Pitruzello, co-chair

of the event. "Our support of one of the top comprehensive cancer care and

research institutes in the nation helps translate promising discoveries

into better treatment options for cancer patients."



    The public is welcome to watch the Longboard Invitational, a surfing

tournament where the emphasis is on participation and support for the cause

rather than an individual's surfing ability. Each of the sponsored teams of

five, including an assigned surfing legend, vies for traditional trophies.



    In the afternoon, the Luau features Polynesian dancing, bands, live and

silent auctions offering surf memorabilia, and a ceremony to honor the

winner of the Rell Sunn -- Queen of Makaha Award. The Rell Sunn award,

which goes each year to an individual for his or her dedication to helping

others in the fight against cancer in ways that embody the true "aloha"

spirit, will be presented to Doris A. Howell, M.D., founder of San Diego

Hospice and namesake of the palliative care consultation service at the

Moores UCSD Cancer Center.



    "We believe that collectively we can beat cancer and that is part of

the 'aloha' spirit of the Luau," said Ian Pyka, co-chair of the event.

"Together, we can help more people become cancer survivors."



    Tori Pitruzello and Ian Pyka also are pleased to announce that Pfizer

has supported the event since 2001 and is title sponsor of this year's Luau

& Longboard Invitational.



    As part of its title sponsorship, Pfizer supports its own team of

surfing scientists as well as a Thriver's Team in the longboarding

competition comprised of surfers who have successfully fought cancer.



    "Pfizer continues to investigate new treatments for cancer, an area of

high unmet medical need," said Catherine Mackey, Ph.D., site director,

Pfizer La Jolla. "We are very pleased to once again support the Luau &

Longboard Invitational. This event is a time for all of us to celebrate

medical advances in this area, renew our commitment to finding new

therapies and demonstrate our support and respect for the survivors who are

joining us today."



    The Luau & Longboard Committee also presented the 2nd Annual "Survivor

Beach" on August 10, as a way to raise awareness for cancer research. This

free public event brought the community together in support of cancer

research and honored all individuals in their fight against cancer.



    For more information about sponsorship opportunities, team entries,

tickets and event activities, contact the Moores UCSD Cancer Center at

(858) 822-0023, or visit the Luau's Web site at

http://www.longboardluau.org.

    About the Moores UCSD Cancer Center



    The Rebecca and John Moores UCSD Cancer Center was founded in 1979. The

Center is one of just 41 in the United States to hold a National Cancer

Institute (NCI) designation as a Comprehensive Cancer Center. As such, it

ranks among the top centers in the nation conducting basic and clinical

cancer research, providing advanced patient care and serving the community

through outreach and education programs. The center's mission is to

translate promising scientific discoveries into new and better options for

the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of cancer, and the amelioration of

pain. For more information, visit http://cancer.ucsd.edu.



    About Pfizer La Jolla



    Pfizer La Jolla is part of Pfizer Global Research and Development

(PGRD) and one of Pfizer's major research and development sites around the

globe. The 33.5-acre campus includes eight buildings with more than

1-million square feet and a new incubator facility (The Pfizer Incubator),

where Pfizer is financing life science start-ups. Pfizer La Jolla's 1,000

scientists and staff focus on discovering and developing new medicines to

treat many forms of cancer and diseases of the eye. In 2006, the FDA

approved Sutent, a drug developed at Pfizer La Jolla, for treating stomach

and kidney cancers. Today, Pfizer La Jolla scientists are involved in more

than 20 active clinical research programs in Oncology, including Phase III

trials in breast, thyroid, non-small-cell lung cancer, and melanoma.