TGen News & Press Releases

• Written by Steve Yozwiak /
• Posted Monday February 7, 2011

More than 800 participants

Ovarian cancer research funded by run-walk-dash March 6 at Tempe's Kiwanis Park

TEMPE, Ariz. - Feb. 7, 2011 - TGen's 2nd annual UnTEAL A Cure, a 5-kilometer run-walk-dash benefitting TGen's ovarian cancer research, is set for 8:30 a.m. March 6 at Tempe's Kiwanis Park, 611 S. All American Way.

More than 800 racers are expected to wear teal, the color representing ovarian cancer, in an effort designed to raise more than $100,000 for the Translational Genomics Research Institute (TGen). The hope is to develop a method of early detection, and eventually, a cure.

More than 21,000 American women will be diagnosed this year with ovarian cancer, and nearly 14,000 will die from this aggressive disease, the fifth leading cause of cancer death among women in the U.S.

Christal Gustafson of Scottsdale, UnTEAL A Cure co-chair, said she wants to do what she can to stop ovarian cancer, which afflicted her mother, Calista Rea of Jefferson City, Mo., and perhaps others, in her family.

"Watching OC rob my mom of her active lifestyle was by far the most difficult life event I have dealt with, and I promised myself I would do what I could to prevent this cancer from touching the lives of my nieces and future granddaughters," said Gustafson, who also works as manager of general accounting at Scottsdale Healthcare.

TGen aims to quickly translate scientific discoveries made in the laboratory into new diagnostic tests and drug treatments for ovarian cancer patients.

TGen Foundation President Michael Bassoff said the UnTEAL A Cure program presents the public with an easy, fun and healthful way to participate in the progress towards ending this disease.

"Thanks to many concerned, generous contributors, the cutting-edge science conducted by TGen researchers brings us closer to the day when women worldwide will no longer fear the ravages of ovarian cancer," Bassoff said. "This year, every step takes us closer to a cure."

Registration through Feb. 18 is $25 for adults and $5 for children ages 5-12. Add $5 after Feb. 18.
Register online through March 2.
Pre-race packet pickup is available from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. March 5 at RoadRunner Sports in Tempe Marketplace, 43 S. McClintock Drive.
Event day registration on March 6 starts at 7 a.m. at Kiwanis Park, west of Mill Avenue, south of Baseline Road.

Business sponsors are welcome, and many businesses have created corporate teams for the UnTEAL A Cure race.

For more information, visit: www.helptgen.org.

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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. TGen is affiliated with the Van Andel Research Institute in Grand Rapids, Michigan. For more information, visit: www.tgen.org.

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

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