Robyn Raphael is the only California candidate; winner will be decided this week

Editor's Note: Please click on link to view or download a high-resolution photograph of Robyn Raphael

January 18, 2006

(SACRAMENTO, Calif.) — Since her five-year-old son, Keaton, died of neuroblastoma in 1998, Robyn Raphael of Roseville, Calif., has worked tirelessly to help other children with cancer. Over the last seven years, the nonprofit organization she established in her son's memory has raised more than $500,000 for pediatric cancer research and programs. Hundreds of children and families have benefited. Raphael has also become a fierce advocate for increased federal funding for pediatric cancer research, testifying regularly before Congress and lobbying California's congressional delegation.

Because of her commitment to children, Raphael has been selected from among more than 6,000 nominees as one of three finalists in an NBC “Today” show contest. Raphael is the only California finalist. The winner, to be elected this week by popular online vote, will be named “godmother” of the Royal Caribbean International cruise line's newest ship, an honor that includes a cruise per year for life.

Votes may be cast on the NBC “Today” show Web site until 9 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (6 p.m. local time) Friday, Jan. 20. (The contest Web page is at http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/10838113/).  Only one vote may be cast per person; multiple entries from any e-mail address will be void.

Historically, “godmother” status has been given to heads of state, politicians or celebrities. Royal Caribbean godmothers include Rosalynn Carter, Her Majesty Queen Sonja of Norway, Gloria Estefan and Jackie Joyner-Kersee.

If Raphael wins the contest, she will use her “godmother” status to help raise awareness that cancer remains the No. 1 disease killer of children. The Keaton Raphael Memorial raises money for pediatric research and programs through annual “Chipping Away at Childhood Cancer” golf tournaments in Roseville and Reno; St. Balderick's Day head-shaving events in Sacramento, Roseville and Reno; and joint fundraisers with the National Childhood Cancer Foundation's CureSearch organization, including a Paws 4 a Cure dogwalk in Stockton.

Raphael's organization has helped more than 80 families with the non-medical costs that accompany a childhood cancer diagnosis. It has given $118,000 to UC Davis Cancer Center and UC Davis Children's Hospital for pediatric cancer research, physician education programs and play equipment for children who are undergoing cancer treatment..

“No one deserves the 'godmother' title more than Robyn,” said Ralph deVere White, dean of cancer programs at UC Davis School of Medicine and Medical Center and director of the UC Davis Cancer Center. “Without her, facing cancer would be much tougher for children throughout Northern California. Because of her, we're that much closer to finding the answers that will end the suffering and death caused by childhood cancer.”

For more information about the Keaton Raphael Memorial, visit www.childcancer.org.