Cancer

For Bob Lee, things comes in threes: three bike rides around the country, three reasons, three generations. Lee, 70, of Barrington, Ill., stopped in Huntington Beach and Newport Beach last week on his way from Vancouver, Canada, to the U.S.-Mexico border. In 2001, he rode 3,254 miles across the southern border of the U.S., and in 2007, he rode 6,500 miles up the East Coast and across the northern border, raising nearly $390,000. In total, he's completed more than 12,000 miles around the country's perimeter.

When I think of big events in our harbor, I recall the Flight of the Snowbirds, Newport to Ensenada Yacht Race, the Ancient Mariners Hobie Cat regatta and now Paddle for Privates. If I was going to use one word to describe this event, it would be "genius. " That word also holds true for founder Mandy McDonnell. I had a chance to talk with her over the phone this week and go over Saturday's Paddle for Privates costume paddle and learn a little more about this amazing person. Mandy grew up here in Newport Beach and went through the junior program at Lido Isle Yacht Club.

Last week was a special one for junior Oronde Crenshaw. His parents showed up to watch him play a football game for Costa Mesa High. To have his mother and father, along with his siblings, aunts and grandparents, at one of his games is rare. His father, DeWayne Crenshaw, lives in Utah. His mother, Lilia Mora, has a hard time walking up and down the bleachers. He understands why his dad cannot come to every game because of the distance. Talking about why his mom cannot always be there is hard for Crenshaw.

She did it again. Lil Spitzer , executive director of the Beckstrand Cancer Foundation, produced what many called "the party of the year" Oct. 13 in the Hangar at the Orange County Fairgrounds in Costa Mesa. Spitzer joined forces with community philanthropist Renetta Caya , returning once again as gala chairwoman for the 2012 Beckstrand Cancer Foundation's ninth annual Diamond and Pearl Ball. Here is the most impressive news of all: Donations are expected to pass the $1-million mark in net proceeds.

Linda Gehringer said she enjoys creating roles in plays. Gehringer, an actress who lives in Laguna Beach, is a staple at South Coast Repertory, as well as a television actress on shows like "Touch" with Kiefer Sutherland and "Justified," she said. Now, she is starring as Mary Cain, a role she originated, in the repertory's upcoming production of "How to Write a New Book for the Bible" by Bill Cain. "Creating roles is just fun," she said. "That's one of the reasons I wanted to show the South Coast Repertory audience this play.

Gabriel Lalli's body has broken down. His eyesight has faded. He isn't the man he was two years ago. But that's with regard to his physical status. Cancer can break down anyone, yet it hasn't wilted his fighting spirit. Lalli, a Newport Beach resident, was active in running, rugby and soccer before being diagnosed with cancer in 2010. Now all of his focus has been turned toward beating the disease. Adversity hasn't just afflicted his health. Lalli said the bank mortgage company he worked for ended his employment and his income is now from disability checks.

A classic and rare car auction over the weekend at the Orange County Fairgrounds generated $14 million in sales, organizers said Tuesday. Nearly 54,000 people attended the Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Auction event Friday through Sunday, according to the Scottsdale, Ariz.-based auction house. About 66% of the bidders registered to bid for the first time, a sign the event is growing. "Southern California is without a doubt the car culture capital of the U.S.," Craig Jackson, Barrett-Jackson chairman and chief executive, said in a news release.

A young widow and her daughter will be able to pay medical bills and save for college after a fundraiser at Woody's Wharf raised more than $17,000 Wednesday. Irvine resident Kirk Howe died at age 34 of melanoma, after a 16-month bout with the disease. He is survived by his wife, Jenny, and their 1-year-old daughter Jillian. A silent auction organized by family members drew about 300 people to the Balboa Peninsula restaurant, Mackenzi Wall, a relative, said. Woody's donated 20% of its sales directly to Jenny, and an online campaign raised nearly $40,000.

Editor's note: This is the first of a three-part update on menopausal hormone care. * I know, the headline is not what your mother, doctor, TV, women's magazines, and walking buddies tell you. But, it's true. Of tsunami importance, it falls into the category of bad news travels fast, and good news dies away in a flash. In March, the North American Menopause Society's Advisory Panel on Hormone Therapy issued new, liberalized guidelines for use of estrogen in the menopause.

Six months ago, Lori Fallace had never spent a night in a tent. In June, with subtemperature gear and ice pick in hand, the Irvine schoolteacher will scale the 14,179 feet to Mt. Shasta's peak in a show of perseverance and support for all those who have been affected by breast cancer. "What I want to achieve is to empower people," Fallace said. "There are steps you can take to decrease your risk. " Fallace, Irvine Unified School District 2012 middle school teacher of the year, has taught science and health classes for years.