Philanthropists Sue and Ralph Stern honored as 2016 UCI Health Heroes
October 03, 2016
Sue and Ralph Stern's gratitude for the UCI Health physicians who cured her of a rare spinal cord tumor led the Orange County philanthropists to support UC Irvine cancer research and clinical trials that will help many others.
Orange County philanthropists Sue and Ralph Stern have received UCI Health’s highest honor, the UCI Health Hero Award, in recognition of their transformational impact on healthcare in the community.
The Sterns, whose generosity has made a difference for individuals and organizations across Orange County, partnered with UCI Health’s Chao Family Comprehensive Cancer Center to establish the Sue and Ralph Stern Center for Cancer Clinical Trials and Research in 2014.
"We are grateful to Sue and Ralph for championing practice-changing research and clinical trials that contribute to extended lung, cervical, and metastatic breast cancer survival rates," said Dr. Howard Federoff, vice chancellor for health affairs and CEO of UCI Health.
"They are valued partners in fight against cancer, helping to make the Chao Family Comprehensive Cancer Center a beacon of hope for trial participants and their families, all of whom remain determined to overcome fate."
"With the recruitment of great talent to the Chao Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, like doctors Rick van Etten and Susan O’Brien, our dream is for those with the misfortune of being diagnosed with cancer to be treated by the best doctors in world right here in Orange County," said Ralph Stern. "Thanks to doctors Mark Linskey and Daniela Bota, Sue was successfully treated by the best here at UCI."
Sue Stern, who was diagnosed with a rare spinal cord tumor in 2008, was treated at UCI Health and recovered completely.
The Sterns join an elite group of visionary individuals who have been recognized by UCI Health and the UC Irvine School of Medicine for advancing smarter healthcare locally. Past honorees include Susan Samueli, Michael Hayde, Nancy and Bill Thompson, and Tom and Elizabeth Tierney.
UCI Health honored the Sterns at an event held in October to thank many of the academic medical center’s most loyal donors.
