For my first A-Lister’s post, I’d love to shine the spotlight on an incredible man (pictured above, Left)–a man who saves human lives–David B. Agus, MD. Dr. David Agus is a cancer treatment and research doctor based in Los Angeles, CA. In 2009, he established the USC Center for Applied Molecular Medicine “with the goal of gathering a multi-disciplinary team of scientists to think dramatically differently about cancer treatment” (Source). One of the ways I feel Dr. Agus puts this goal into practice is by treating each individual patient in a unique and essentially customized way, based on that person’s own molecular composition. No two people’s molecular make-up is the same so each cancer patient, no matter the cancer, should be treated specifically designed to their individual composition. How cool is that? This man is continuously researching and finding new ways to get real specific with each patient that comes his way. And because of this, he has been able to save and extend so many lives. I know this because Dr. Agus has personally saved the life of a family member close to mine and my husband’s. This family member was diagnosed with prostate cancer, and told by his local doctors that he should start making arrangements–he maybe had six months to live. After moving his life from the Midwest out to Los Angeles, CA, he began treatments with Dr. David Agus through which he was able to beat this horrible disease and still be with us today–ten years later after receiving his original diagnosis. Cancer is an awful disease–its a disease I feel most each and every one of us has been affected by in some way or another–whether its being a survivor, knowing a family member or friend with cancer, a co-worker, or a friend’s friend, etc. It’s a disease I personally would love stopped–don’t you? Because of that, last night my husband and I through our very small part hosted an evening to not only honor and celebrate the work Dr. Agus and his team have put forth in the fight against cancer, but also to raise awareness and contributions for Dr. Agus’ foundation, “Rebels With a Cause” among many of Hollywood’s and Silicon Valley’s elite. The evening and red carpet were swarming with brilliantly talented and beautiful people such as Julianne Hough, David Foster, Jane Fonda, Jason Clarke, Lily Tomlin, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Jerry Bruckheimer, and sisters Sara and Erin Foster with performances throughout the evening given by Leona Lewis, Kristin Chenoweth, and Christina Aguilera. All of the singers were absolutely stunning, as was James Corden who was master of ceremonies for the event! He sang a hilarious, heartfelt, and quite clever rendition of Justin Bieber’s “Love Yourself,” that included a twist with his own lyrics telling cancer to go F*#^% itself! There were many beautiful speeches given throughout the evening including Larry Ellison, co-founder and CEO of software & technology corp., Oracle, who so generously donated $200 million to USC allowing Dr. Agus and his team of scientists to open up a new institute for cancer research and treatment in Santa Monica, CA. The evening ended with an afterparty where folks let loose on the dance floor to an amazing mash-up by radio DJ, Jason Bentley. My husband and I so appreciated the time, efforts, and involvement of everyone who made the evening a success, and we continue to support and be rebels for the fight against cancer as long as this disease keeps on existing in the way that it does. With all of the doctors, scientists, and researchers out there like Dr. Agus and his team, who are helping find ways every single day to do stop the fight against cancer, I can’t think of a better “A-Lister” to look up to, admire, appreciate, and support than Dr. David Agus.
If you know someone who’s suffering from cancer, and would like to help donate to Dr. Agus’ foundation, “Rebels With A Cause,” please Click Here, and thank you in advance for your contribution!