It was supposed to be a joyous, carefree adventure. New Zealand newlyweds Matt and Danielle Fontenesi commenced their three-week honeymoon trip to the United States in August 2015. On the flight, Matt was struck with a debilitating fever, which he disregarded as a lingering virus. Less than a week later, he was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia—his blood was 90 percent cancerous.
For three years, he battled fevers that soared to 107 degrees and endured high-dosage chemotherapy. When he needed a bone-marrow transplant, he was transported to Moores Cancer Center at UC San Diego Health, one of the leading hospitals in the world for the high-risk procedure. On Aug. 19, Matt was among the surfers participating in the Luau and Legends of Surf Invitational.
“I surfed in the Luau and Legends of Surfing Invitational because I can, because I’m alive,” he said. “What I loved about my treatment at Moores Cancer Center is that, not only are they experts who have seen every possible permutation…they treated me and my wife with dignity. They really appreciated how difficult this made our lives, and they wanted to help us get back. It was an amazing collaboration between both brilliant doctors and incredibly compassionate nurses.”
Now in its 25th year, the annual fundraiser unites more than 500 surfers, scientists and cancer survivors who share two great passions: surfing and finding a cure for cancer. All proceeds from the public event, which has raised more than $8 million since it was launched in 1993, go to support research, teaching and clinical programs at Moores Cancer Center—the only National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center in the region, and one of only 49 in the United States.
“It is humbling to know that for 25 years surfers, scientists, survivors and friends have supported cutting-edge science at UC San Diego Health through the Luau and Legends Surfing Invitational,” said Scott M. Lippman, M.D., director of Moores Cancer Center at UC San Diego Health. “This passion mirrors the commitment that my colleagues and I display every day as we search for new cures and treatments for a devastating disease. Breakthroughs occur and lives are saved at Moores Cancer Center thanks to the generous support of the Luau.”
In addition to raising funds, the Luau celebrates the advances made in cancer research and patient care, and recognizes individuals who have contributed to the progress—such as Howard Birndorf and Ivor Royston, M.D., who pioneered the biotech industry in San Diego. In 1978, the UC San Diego scholars formed Hybritech, the region’s first biotech company. The scientists developed the first blood test to screen for prostate cancer as well as custom-made antibodies to specifically attack cancer cells. 
Birndorf and Royston were acknowledged this year with the Rell Sunn Award, which honors the memory of Rell Kapolioka’ehukai Sunn, known as the “First Lady of Surfing.” Sunn was diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 32, but rather than submitting to the disease, she lived vibrantly until passing 15 years later in 1998. The Sunn Award recognizes medical scientists, philanthropists and community advocates who have made a difference in the battle against cancer and who embody the Aloha spirit.
This year, the event was chaired by Sam Armstrong and John Otterson, who founded the Luau and Legends of Surfing Invitational in 1993. Both are current Moores Cancer Center Board of Visitors members. Festivities kicked off at 7 a.m., at the beach near Scripps Pier in La Jolla, where teams of four were paired with a surfing legend for a friendly competition.
The Luau followed at 11 a.m. with musical entertainment by Gary Hoey, who wrote the soundtrack to “Endless Summer II: a tropical buffet,” and live and silent auctions featuring surf-inspired artwork, unique surfboards and vacation packages. Featured artwork was presented by painter, designer and illustrator Josh “Shag” Agle. Odonate was supporting the event as the title sponsor.
For more information about sponsorship opportunities, team entries, tickets and event activities for next year’s event, call 858-822-6623.