Worthington Memorializes Father with $250,000 Donation to “Knock Out” Asbestos Cancer
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In August 2006, PHLBI director and co-founder Roger Worthington lost his father, David “Punch” Worthington, to a five-year battle with asbestos cancer. One year later, Roger is helping realize his father’s hopes of better research into asbestos-related diseases. Roger's donation of $250,000 to PHLBI gives hope to asbestos victims and honors the many fronts on which Punch labored throughout his life. To date, Roger has generously given over $1,020,000 to the Pacific Heart, Lung & Blood Institute, and over $2.7 million to mesothelioma research.
When Punch was diagnosed with asbestos cancer in 2001, Roger and Punch consulted with the world’s best specialists. Punch decided to undergo treatment with Dr. Robert Cameron, Director of the Mesothelioma Program at UCLA’s David Geffen School of Medicine in Los Angeles, California.
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Punch knew that no cure existed for asbestos cancer, but he challenged Dr. Cameron to find new treatments so that others might live longer, healthier lives. Roger made his father’s dream a reality by funding the Punch Worthington Research Laboratory, which is under Dr. Cameron's direction.
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As one of its founding directors, Roger gives his time and energy to guide PHLBI and to increase awareness about the dangers of asbestos. PHLBI is honored that Roger continues to energetically serve on the board of directors, and that he continues to fund the valuable research already underway.
The Punch Worthington Research Lab (PWR Lab) is the focal point of the Pacific Heart, Lung & Blood Institute. Learn more about the PWR Lab and Punch’s legacy by clicking on the links provided.