TGen News & Press Releases

• Written by Steve Yozwiak /
• Posted Friday October 7, 2005

TGen Staffers Climb Steps for Phoenix-based Charity

Efforts help raise more than $70,000 for cystic fibrosis research

Phoenix, AZ, October 7, 2005-Translational Genomics Research Institute (TGen) scientists and staff participated in the 25th Annual Cystic Fibrosis Stair Climb & Firefighter's Challenge held last weekend in downtown Phoenix. This year's event raised more than $70,000, benefiting the Arizona Chapter of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.

TGen staffers competed against over 150 area business owners, attorneys and CEOs representing teams from Smithgroup; Dibble & Associates; Rider, Levett, Hunt & Bailey; Grubb & Ellis; Bobkat Enterprises; SRP; Schlotsky's Deli and others. The teams climbed a total of 36 floors at the two Arizona Center towers.

Applied Creative, a Scottsdale-based advertising and graphic design firm, sponsored the TGen climb team.

"Participating in the stair climb was a fun way for us to raise money for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation," said Dr. Darin Taverna, captain of TGen's stair climb team and a senior computational scientist. "This event is just one example of the many ways TGen employees volunteer their time and support the community."

After the stair climb competition, firefighters from all over the Valley donned full gear and competed against each other in a rigorous obstacle course race. Chandler firefighters took first place in the combat division for the second year in a row and Mesa firefighters took first place in the sport division. Phoenix firefighters took first place in the female competition.

"Since 1955, the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation has remained true to it mission to assure the development of the means to cure and control cystic fibrosis and to improve the quality of life for those with the disease," said Jan Lee Sproat, the Foundation's executive director. "While too many lives have been lost, we are committed to ensuring a brighter future for those who continue to face this disease. The Stair Climb & Firefighter Challenge provides the perfect opportunity for area corporations, businesses and individuals to become involved in a fun and worthwhile event. By being there, companies can enhance their visibility in the community, create team spirit, and help create a brighter future for all people with cystic fibrosis."

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About TGen
The mission of the Translational Genomics Research Institute (TGen) is to make and translate genomic discoveries into advances in human health. Translational genomics research is a relatively new field employing innovative advances arising from the Human Genome Project and applying them to the development of diagnostics, prognostics and therapies for cancer, neurological disorders, diabetes and other complex diseases. TGen is focused on personalized medicine and plans to accomplish its goals through robust and disease-focused research.

Media Contacts: Amy Erickson-TGen (602) 343-8522
Jean Gnojewski-CF Foundation (602) 224-0068