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NewsKPBS Public MediaAugust 19, 2026San Diego

Legends of Science and Surfing fundraiser raises funds for UC San Diego Moores Cancer Center

The 33rd annual Legends of Science and Surfing event brought together scientists and surfing professionals to raise money for cancer research at the UC San Diego Moores Cancer Center. The two-day event, held in La Jolla, has raised over $14 million for patient care and research since its founding in 1993.

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Why It Matters

The event supports the only National Cancer Institute-designated in the San Diego region, which provides specialized cancer care and research advancements.

Key Facts

  • The 33rd annual Legends of Science and Surfing event took place in La Jolla over a weekend.
  • The event has raised over $14 million for cancer research since 1993.
  • The UC San Diego Moores Cancer Center is one of 58 National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Centers in the U.S.
  • The Moores Cancer Center is the only Comprehensive Cancer Center in the San Diego region.
  • Approximately 38.9% of people will receive a cancer diagnosis in their lifetime according to the National Cancer Institute.
  • Kevan M. Shokat received the Rell Sunn award for his research into K-RAS mutations.
  • The event was founded in 1993 by Sam Armstrong and John Otterson.
  • The Moores Cancer Center had nine specialties ranked nationally in the 2025-2026 U.S. News & World Report survey.

Who's Mentioned

personIzzy Tihanyi“Surf Diva co-founder and cancer survivor.”organizationUC San Diego Moores Cancer Center“The beneficiary of the fundraising event and a designated Comprehensive Cancer C”personRell Kapolioka'ehukai Sunn“Surfing champion and namesake of the event's award.”personJohn Otterson“Co-founder of the event in 1993.”personKevan M. Shokat“Keynote speaker and recipient of the Rell Sunn award for cancer drug discovery.”personSam Armstrong“Co-founder of the event in 1993.”personJon Roseman“Event co-chair and advocate for sustainable tourism.”personTyler Callaway“Event co-chair and surfing champion.”