TGen News & Press Releases

• Written by Steve Yozwiak /
• Posted Wednesday February 10, 2010

'Teal' colors two Valley ovarian cancer research fundraisers

Scottsdale ovarian cancer 'Crusader' honored at 'Tea for Teal' in Feb.; Actor Evan Farmer will emcee first 'unTEAL a Cure' run-walk in March

PHOENIX, Ariz. - Feb. 10, 2010 - Cancer survivor Julie Westhoff of Scottsdale will be honored this month for her work in fighting ovarian cancer at the 2nd annual "Tea for Teal," the color that represents the fight against ovarian cancer.

Tea for Teal is the first of two, back-to-back Valley fundraising events to help fund ovarian cancer research at the non-profit Translational Genomics Research Institute (TGen):

-- Tea for Teal, an English-style afternoon tea, is set for 2 p.m. Feb. 20 at the Sheraton Downtown Phoenix, 340 N. Third St. This event is hosted by the Anne Rita Monahan (ARM) Foundation, named for the organization's founder who passed away May 13, 2009, after a valiant struggle against this horrific disease.

-- The first "UnTEAL a Cure 5K," a combination run and walk, is set for 7:30 a.m. March 7 at Tempe's Kiwanis Community Park, 6111 S. All-America Way. This event is being organized by community volunteers in partnership with the non-profit TGen Foundation.

Tea for Teal

Westhoff will be honored at Tea for Teal with the 2010 Anne Rita Monahan Crusader Award, recognizing a cancer crusader who has made contributions for cancer awareness and has displayed determination and perseverance in their journey.

Westhoff was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2002 and ovarian cancer in 2006. She has become a leading advocate for women's health issues, and is committed to helping women stay informed about the silent symptoms of cancer that are so often overlooked. Her goal is to empower women to play an active role regarding their health and to learn to seek out information. She is both a board member and founding member of the Ovarian Cancer Alliance of Arizona (OCAZ), where she has planned numerous events to raise awareness. She also spends time with other women who are going through ovarian cancer treatments, comforting them and serving as an example of hope and survival.

Tea for Teal is the annual signature event for the ARM Foundation in its efforts to raise $100,000 for ovarian cancer research. The organization urges women to "ARM Yourself Against Ovarian Cancer." Funds raised through Tea for Teal will be used to research early-stage, drug-resistant, ovarian cancer. Tickets for the event are $60 per person or $500 for a table of 10. To buy tickets, please visit www.anneritamonahan.org.

UnTEAL a Cure

Meanwhile, more than 500 Valley residents are expected to join March 7 in an effort to raise $25,000 for TGen cancer research at the first unTEAL a Cure 5K.

Emcee of the event is actor Evan Farmer, the host of Country Music Television's (CMT's) weekend Top 20 Countdown. Farmer, who has appeared in many other movie and television features, has been active in cancer philanthropy for nearly two decades. His mother, Jamison (Jay) Farmer, succumbed to ovarian cancer in 2007.

For more information about unTEAL a Cure, and to register for the event, please go to www.helptgen.org.

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About the Anne Rita Monahan Foundation
The Anne Rita Monahan (ARM) Foundation is dedicated to educating and raising awareness of the signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer so that early detection will increase and instances of misdiagnosis will decrease. The Foundation also raises finances to help fund the discovery of an effective, reliable screening tool that will help detect this type of cancer early and give women the best opportunity for full remission. The ARM Foundation marches towards its mission to eradicate ovarian cancer through outreach and educational programs to both the public and the medical community.

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About TGen
The Translational Genomics Research Institute (TGen) is a Phoenix, Arizona-based non-profit organization dedicated to conducting groundbreaking research with life changing results. Research at TGen is focused on helping patients with diseases such as cancer, neurological disorders and diabetes. TGen is on the cutting edge of translational research where investigators are able to unravel the genetic components of common and complex diseases. Working with collaborators in the scientific and medical communities, TGen believes it can make a substantial contribution to the efficiency and effectiveness of the translational process. For more information, visit: www.tgen.org.

Press Contact:
Steve Yozwiak
TGen Senior Science Writer
602-343-8704
[email protected]