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- Posted Tuesday March 7, 2017
The number '7' has special meaning for TGen's Cycle for the Cure
2017 Cycle for the Cure is the 7th annual, set for May 7; top fundraiser heads to Europe for Tour de France
PHOENIX, Ariz. - March 7, 2017 - This year at the Translational Genomics Research Institute (TGen) there's something special about the number 7.
On May 7, a Sunday, TGen celebrates the 7th annual Cycle for the Cure, a daylong series of two-hour, heart-thumping indoor cycle rides, set to upbeat music, inspiring positive energy as riders raise funds to help TGen find new treatments for cancer.
This year's event includes a prize for the top fundraiser: A chance-of-a-lifetime vacation for four to see the Tour de France, the 104th staging of the world's premier cycling race, which this year runs from Dusseldorf to Paris.
The theme for this year's Cycle for the Cure - #setthepace - encourages participants to work hard, supporting TGen scientists to remain the front-runners in precision medicine.
This year's fundraising could put the event over the $1 million mark, having raised more than $850,000 in its first six years, including $254,000 last year.
Riding positions are expected to quickly sell out for this year's Cycle for the Cure, hosted by the all four of the Phoenix-area's Village Health Clubs, and Studio 360. Entries require a minimum $200 tax-deductible donation, and riders are encouraged to raise additional research funds.
All locations welcome non-members to participate in Cycle for the Cure. Registration starts today, March 7, at www.tgenfoundation.org/cycle.
There are five locations and multiple times:
• Studio 360, 3627 E. Indian School Road, #102, Phoenix; 9:30-11:30 a.m.
• Ocotillo Village Health Club & Spa, 4200 S. Alma School Road, Chandler; 9-11 a.m.
• Gainey Village Health Club & Spa, 7477 E. Doubletree Ranch Road, Scottsdale; 8-10 a.m.
• DC Ranch Village Health Club & Spa, 18501 N. Thompson Peak Parkway, Scottsdale; 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
• Camelback Village Racquet & Health Club, 4444 E. Camelback Road, Phoenix; 3-5 p.m.
In addition, Cycle for the Cure this year includes yoga classes for $50 donations at DC Ranch, 90-minute hot yoga; 10 a.m.
"In this seventh year of Cycle for the Cure, we are optimistic, focused and dedicated to helping fund innovative research for our loved ones and friends suffering from cancer. Cycle for the Cure directly benefits TGen scientists and provides hope and a healthy future for many patients," said Robyn DeBell, one of the event's co-chairs.
Using genomic sequencing, TGen helps doctors match the appropriate therapy to each patient's DNA profile, producing the greatest patient benefit.
"These patients are working way harder than I am, so that's one of the ways I try to set the pace: I need to make it harder for myself," said Charlie Ganz, one of last year's Cycle for the Cure riders, who participated in three spinning sessions - 6 hours of riding - all on the same day.
"We continue to be amazed at the growing participation in Cycle for the Cure. It is heartwarming to see so many Arizonans come together to support TGen's cutting-edge cancer research," said Vicki Vaughn, the event's other co-chair.
A post-ride party for all participants from all the clubs will be hosted at Camelback Village at 5 p.m., following the last ride. It will feature a live musical performance by Nate Nathan and MacDaddy-O's band, a huge hit the past two years. The party is free for riders; $20 donation for guests.
Dr. Jeffrey Trent, TGen President and Research Director, will be among TGen's renowned scientists participating in Cycle for the Cure.
"We are so proud and grateful to receive such enthusiastic support from volunteers like Robyn DeBell and Vicki Vaughn, and participants like Charlie Ganz," said TGen Foundation President Michael Bassoff. "With their continuing commitment, and that of our partners at Village Health Clubs and Studio 360, researchers at TGen are able to advance their pioneering work in cancer research."
Corporate sponsorships are available: Le Grand Tour, $10,000 and higher; Location Sponsor, $5,000; Stage Sponsor, $2,500.
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About TGen
Translational Genomics Research Institute (TGen) is a Phoenix, Arizona-based non-profit organization dedicated to conducting groundbreaking research with life changing results. TGen is focused on helping patients with neurological disorders, cancer, and diabetes, through cutting edge translational research (the process of rapidly moving research towards patient benefit). TGen physicians and scientists work to unravel the genetic components of both common and rare complex diseases in adults and children. Working with collaborators in the scientific and medical communities literally worldwide, TGen makes a substantial contribution to help our patients through efficiency and effectiveness of the translational process. TGen is allied with City of Hope, a world-renowned independent research and cancer and diabetes treatment center. This precision medicine alliance enables both institutes to complement each other in research and patient care, with City of Hope providing a significant clinical setting to advance scientific discoveries made by TGen. For more information, visit: www.tgen.org. Follow TGen on Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter @TGen.
Media Contact:
Steve Yozwiak
TGen Senior Science Writer
602-343-8704
[email protected]
