13th Annual Harold & Carole Pump Gala: Stars Join the Fight Against Cancer

By Elisa Hernandez on August 12, 2013

Shaquille O’Neal at the 13th Annual Harold and Carole Pump Foundation Gala. (Christian Thomas/Living Out Loud LA)

The stars shined bright Friday night at the Beverly Hilton Hotel, as countless professional athletes and celebrities came out to support at the 13th Annual Harold and Carole Pump Foundation Gala.

The red carpet was filled with people supporting the Pump family for all they have done to fight cancer.

“We all know cancer is a big problem in this country, in this world we live in, so you know we raise a lot of money here today and help find a cure,” said NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal.

This year, the Harold and Carole Pump Foundation Gala honored singer-actor Jaime Foxx, NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal, MLB legend Joe Torre and local humanitarian Jeffrey Glassman.

O’Neal shed light on what this recognition means to him.

“It’s big, especially with all these other great legends here,” he said. “Jaime Foxx is probably the most talented guy in Hollywood. I’ve seen David Robertson, Dave Winfield, Joe Torre, so I [feel] like a kid to be able to see all of these legends who recognize you just like you recognize them.”

The foundation honors Harold Pump who passed after losing his battle with cancer in 2000, and Carole Pump who passed away in 2012.

Through fundraising, the Pump family has raised over $5.5 million for causes such as: the Carole Pump Women’s Center, Harold and Carole Pump Department of Radiation Oncology and the Leavey Cancer Center at Northridge Medical Center.

However, aside from their great accomplishments, more help is always needed to fund research support.

“This is my first time [being] here at this Gala, and I absolutely support their cause. I want to get rid of cancer just like everyone else does. It’s hit my life [and] my family in so many ways,” said 3-time Olympic gold medalist Kerri Walsh. “This is such a celebration of life, and I want to honor the partners and all they have done. To be a part of it is really special for me.”

The Pump family’s mission is not only raising money, but to spread awareness for the treatment and the potential cure of cancer. They engage sports icon, perform community outreach and directly impact the lives of people with cancer by providing cancer treatment.