In Memory of CJ Taylor

Tuesday, August 16, 2011

The friends, faculty, staff, students, and alumni of the UW School of Public Health extend their condolences to Bob Day, dean of the School from 1972-1982, and his family on the passing of his wife, CJ Taylor, founder of the Puget Sound affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure. CJ was a dedicated champion of breast cancer research and efforts, a great supporter of the School of Public Health, and a graduate of our MHA program.

Said Dean Howard Frumkin, "The School, its friends, Puget Sound, and all breast cancer efforts have lost a wonderful leader, friend, and supporter. She will be greatly missed by us all."

Under CJ's leadership, the Puget Sound Komen affiliate extended its influential grant-giving reach to include a broad range of work, including lab research and working with disadvantaged communities to improve access to screening and treatment options. CJ was instrumental in increasing the funds dedicated to breast cancer efforts, securing $1 million per year to increase screenings for underserved women in Western Washington, saving the lives of countless mothers, daughters, and sisters.

CJ is also remembered for her deep personal compassion. Said Mark Oberle, Associate Dean for Public Health Practice at the School, who served on the Komen board with her, "She had an infectious, upbeat spirit despite her own cancer struggle, and great warmth. You could not say no to her."

Added Chris Li, Research Professor in Epidemiology, "She had a major impact on my career, and got me thinking about cancer research more broadly, hearing stories of survivors, figuring out where we could have the biggest impact, what are the best ways to spend the dollars."

Here are links to various remembrances of this remarkable woman: