Christine Landgraf died of Hodgkin's disease three days after Christmas in 1971, at age 26. Yet, Christine lives on through a legacy created by her parents.

John and Helen Landgraf of Fair Oaks donated $5,000 to help support cancer research at UC Davis School of Medicine soon after their daughter's death. The school was only six years old at the time. Over the past three decades, additional contributions from individuals and businesses have allowed the Landgraf Memorial Research Fund to grow to more than $150,000 – and to support the work of more than 30 UC Davis investigators.

In recent years, the Landgraf Memorial Research. Fund also has honored the memory of Helen Landgraf, who died at age 83 on Dec. 11, 1999. A native of Elk Grove, Helen was born in the house her grandfather built and where her father was born. She grew up on 200 acres of oak-studded hills – land that inspired her paintings later in life.

To help build the fund that bears her and her daughter's name, Helen's artwork is now available on note cards for sale in Health Sciences Advancement, 4900 Broadway, Suite 1150, Sacramento, Calif. A set of 10 cards and envelopes sells for $12. All proceeds help to build the renamed Christine & Helen S. Landgraf Endowment Fund. Cards also may be ordered by calling (916) 734-9400.