The Bobbi Olson Story
To Prevent and Cure Cancer: The Bobbi Olson Endowment at the Arizona Cancer Center
On January 1, 2001, Bobbi Olson, wife of University of Arizona men’s basketball coach Lute Olson, succumbed to a two-and-a-half-year battle with ovarian cancer. Bobbi’s loss was devastating to her family, the UA community, and the overall Tucson community as well.
In lieu of memorial flowers, the Olson family requested that donations be sent to the Arizona Cancer Center, where Bobbi had undergone treatment. Subsequently, an endowment was established in Bobbi’s name, designated to support research for the prevention and cure of ovarian cancer.
The funds raised to date are due to the generosity of individual donors who are honoring Bobbi; the commitment of those who want to ensure a lasting legacy of support until a cure for ovarian cancer is found; and the dedication of people participating in the Better Than Ever program, a fitness-training program that culminates in running/walking the Bobbi Olson Half-Marathon.
“We are sure that the majority of these gifts came from people who probably never had the pleasure of personally meeting Bobbi,” says Arizona Cancer Center Senior Director of Development Scott Thompson. “However, they all were touched by her grace and her quiet force in our community. It’s gifts like these that help us prevent and cure cancer a dollar at a time. When combined, those dollars can make a huge impact against this disease.“
The endowment will continually support ovarian cancer research because only the accumulating interest will be used to fund investigations. The Bobbi Olson Endowment therefore will be a perpetual source of funding to aid in realizing Bobbi’s dream of finding a cure for ovarian cancer.
The sustained resources provided through this endowment will ensure the pursuit of promising new leads in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of the disease and attract the basic science and clinical strength in ovarian cancer research to pursue these discoveries.
“Our family would like to thank everyone for their thoughtfulness and generosity, which will create a lasting legacy for Bobbi,” said Coach Olson. “Your kindness has touched all of us, just as Bobbi touched you. She would be thankful, just as we are, for your compassion.”
To make a donation to the Bobbi Olson Endowment, click here.
For more information, please contact us at 1/800/327/CURE, or in Tucson at 520-626-5279
