ROBIN NASBY
Staff Writer
When the unthinkable is reality and the ultimate trial is just another day, love truly can conquer all.
Chris Sangster, Pepperdine assistant dean for advancement and alumni relations, was diagnosed with brain cancer in July of 2006 and has been doing a valiant job of holding off this threatening strain of cancer.
Sangster, an alumnus of Seaver College and the GSBM School of Business Management, has served as a member of the administration staff for the past fifteen years.
Sangster’s wife Claudia, also a Pepperdine alumna, finds refuge in her faith and asks friends and family to pray for her husband on her blog called Keeping up with Chris, each week.
“We needed a way to communicate with our friends throughout the country and wanted to share Chris’s journey with others,” Claudia said. “We’ve been overwhelmed by the response.”
Claudia has connected with five women across the country who are facing the same disease with their husbands. “This is my ministry — to help those that are shocked and horrified upon learning of the diagnosis,” Claudia said.
After noticing some memory problems in the summer of 2006, Sangster was diagnosed with a glioblastoma brain tumor at UCLA Medical Center. The subsequent treatments and trials have fueled his passion to help others who are going through the same difficult journey.
A fund founded for Sangster, Funding Hope — The Chris Sangster Brain Tumor Fund, is solely dedicated to raising money for research on finding a cure to brain cancer.
“There is no cure to the devastating disease yet and we are supporting research because we don’t want others to have to go through this,” Claudia said.
Despite the exhausting battle they are fighting, the Sangsters still find time to appreciate the students of Pepperdine and continue to gain strength from their constant support, according to Claudia.
“When we see Pepperdine students, it is with great joy because we know they will deport themselves well and be ready for the storms of life after they leave here,” Claudia posted on her blog on Aug. 26.
Sangster inspired co-workers and remained committed to connecting alumni with current Seaver College affairs.
“In every way his goal was to keep everyone in love with Pepperdine as much as he was. He gets and believes in the Pepperdine mission,” said Avesta Carrara, office coordinator for advancement and alumni relations, who admired his extensive supply of Pepperdine pins and ties at work each day.
“Chris is known for his wonderful, big voice, his genuine handshakes, hugs and his huge heart. Chris’ love of God is clear in the love he shows to everyone,” said Dawn Peterson, Seaver College assistant director of advancement and alumni relations and friend of Sangster.
Friends of the Sangsters will be hosting a recital at Raitt Recital Hall to raise awareness and funds for cancer research on October 14 at 2:30PM. Pepperdine alumna and long-time friend of Sangster, Whitney Crist, will be performing classical selections from Mozart, Scriabin, Brahms, Bartok, Barber and Gisnastera.
“One of my wishes is that Chris gets to witness directly the outpouring of love and support from the many people that attend the concert, as well as those that can’t come, but send their respects,” said Crist, who attended Seaver College with Sangster. “Chris will be able to see, first hand, how many lives he has touched.”
Crist first admired Sangster early in their friendship, while touring the West Coast with Pepperdine’s acapella choir.
“Chris impressed me then as a loving and enthusiastic person. He has always exuded such goodness,” she said.
Sangster is currently undergoing treatment at UCLA and recovering at his home in Malibu.
The suggested donation for the event is $25 and all donations to the foundation are tax-deductible. To be assured a seat, email LuNell Gilliland at lunell@earthlink.net for reservations in advance.
If you cannot attend the event, but are interested in donating, visit www.Harrismycfofoundation.org for more information.
To read more about Chris’s fight against brain cancer, visit Claudia’s blog at www.chrissangster.typepad.com.
10-04-2007
