The Time of His Life, and Others’ Too

Guests at the annual Gift of Life Gala not only got to listen to Bill Medley sing his Grammy-award winning hit “[I’ve Had] The Time of My Life,” they got to dance too. Some 400 supporters of the Orange County Cancer Education and Research Foundation took to the dance floor at the Waterfront Hilton Beach Resort as the singer performed solo at last weekend’s ‘50s-inspired benefit, “At the Hop.”

Medley, of Righteous Brothers fame, is a survivor of prostate cancer. He donated his Las Vegas-style performance to the foundation, which, besides providing funds for education and research, offers support services to cancer patients and their families. “Thank God for doctors and researchers,” Medley said in his trademark deep voice.

Guests included oncologist Glen R. Justice, event chairman and clinical professor of medicine at USC/Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center. “We can cure 50% of all adult cancers and 80% of all childhood cancers,” said Justice, who is also president of the Orange County division of the American Cancer Society. “The difference is that 75 to 80% of childhood cancer is being treated in research protocols and only 2% of adults go into clinical trials. This foundation supports adults going into clinical trials. That’s the way we are going to find more cures.”

The gala, which raised about $125,000, was dedicated to the memory of Sandrea K. Laird, a Huntington Beach educator who died in June after a 10-year battle with breast cancer.