About Us
The Cancer Research and Life Foundation (CRLF) is a publicly recognized 501(c)3* non-profit organization based right here in Orange County (OC) with a priority to address the needs of cancer patients and their families. Our approach is focused on improving patients’ response and quality of life through a range of programs and delivery of cancer therapies in both conventional and research settings. Patients from all over the world seek our support to access the most meaningful therapeutic paths for unmet necessities. We provide tools and accommodations for their medical, travel, and other needs, ensuring they find a meaningful solution in an otherwise world of hopelessness. Ultimately, we aim to reduce the cost of care in the health care system and have a more productive and healthy society.
Meet Our Team!
Get to know the dedicated professionals at CRLF who are committed to improving patients' quality of life and providing personalized cancer care.
RONALD J. MACIEL
Advisory Board Member
Retired Judge of the California Superior Court with diverse expertise spanning law, accounting (CPA), contracting, and real estate. Judge Maciel participated in the Judicial Science Symposium at the Salk Institute and brings a unique interdisciplinary perspective to the board. Having witnessed firsthand the excellent standards of Dr. Nezami's treatment protocols, he considers it an honor to support advanced cancer therapy development and research.
ZARI KARIMI
Advisory Board Member
Seasoned business professional with 30+ years across sales, programming, healthcare project management, and academic teaching. Holds a Master's in Mathematics, undergraduate degree in Computer Science, and PMP certification. Currently serves as Project Director at Anthem and teaches Operations Management at California State University–Northridge. Her technical expertise combined with healthcare industry experience provides valuable strategic guidance to organizational operations and growth.
REZA SHIRAZI, MD
Advisory Board Member
Board-certified Radiation Oncologist and former Chief Resident at University of Cincinnati Barrett Cancer Center. Graduate Magna Cum Laude in Electrical Engineering/Computer Science; earned his medical degree from Chicago Medical School. Serves on boards of Genesis Healthcare Partners and Western Cancer Center, recognized as San Diego Top Doctor multiple years. Specializes in CyberKnife® radiosurgery, IGRT, and IMRT with active involvement in cancer research and peer-reviewed publications.
BRIAN GRIFFITH
Board Member
Vice President of The Bench, a national medical sales recruiting agency, with extensive experience at Johnson & Johnson, Smith & Nephew, and McKesson. Brian lost his daughter Emma to Metastatic Osteosarcoma in 2015 after witnessing limited treatment advances in orphan cancers. This personal experience drives his passion for expanding access to innovative cancer treatments. Married 25 years to Jenny with children Abigail and Joshua, he champions advanced therapeutic options for all patients.
MICHAEL L. HENRY
Board Member
Project Manager at Southern California Gas Company with 34 years of technical and leadership experience managing critical infrastructure projects including greenhouse gas reduction and energy distribution safety programs. Michael's family has faced breast cancer across three generations—his great-grandmother, grandmother, mother (three times), sister, and wife Debby, who successfully beat Stage 4 cancer through Dr. Nezami's MTET therapy. His faith and personal journey inspire his commitment to helping cancer patients access revolutionary treatments.
JAMES W. TOWNSEND
Board Member
Co-founder of Newport Systems Solutions (sold to Cisco Systems in 1994), serving as Senior Systems Analyst and CFO. Holds a Mathematics degree from California State University, Jurist Doctorate from Trinity Law School, and MA in Religion from Faith Baptist College. Active in startup advising and nonprofit leadership including Orange County Rescue Mission and Vanguard University Foundation. Leads weekly Bible study at his church of 40+ years. Father of three daughters and grandfather of four.
Dale Zuehls
Board Member
Dale S. Zuehls is a nationally recognized financial and accounting expert with over 50 years of professional experience in auditing, taxation, forensic accounting, litigation consulting, and nonprofit financial oversight. A former senior partner at KPMG and a principal of Zuehls, Legaspi & Company, he has served as a national financial expert to the U.S. Department of Justice for over three decades. His extensive experience includes advising nonprofit organizations on financial accountability, regulatory compliance, governance, and fiscal stewardship. He highly coveted nonprofit expert and brings to the Board of the Cancer Research and Life Foundation a distinguished background in financial leadership, strategic oversight, and a commitment to advancing the Foundation’s charitable mission.
