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  • Posted Tuesday February 18, 2020

10th annual Fitness for the Cure uses exercise to fund TGen cancer research

Dozens of donors signing up for Feb. 23 events at four of the Valley’s Village Health Clubs

PHOENIX, Ariz. — Feb. 18, 2020 — Cyclists know that acceleration takes many small pushes to get up to speed, and so it is for Fitness for the Cure, a multi-stage exercise event Feb. 23, celebrating its 10th year of benefiting cancer research at the Translational Genomics Research Institute (TGen), an affiliate of City of Hope.

Perhaps few appreciate this process of acceleration better than spinner Charlie Ganz: “When this event started 10 years ago, I had a few friends and family who had various forms of cancer. I was introduced to TGen and started to help raise money. Over the years, one 2-hour spin didn’t seem like it was enough. This will be my 5th (Fitness for the Cure) event doing three, 2-hour rides (6 hours).”

Like Charlie, Fitness for the Cure has progressively built up speed, collecting a total of more than $1.3 million since 2011 for TGen cancer research. And just as the proceeds from this event have grown, so have the number of exercises. Beyond the original Cycle for the Cure, this annual fundraiser now includes yoga, kinesis, zumba, an indoor triathlon, and hiking.

Participants do not have to be members of Village Health Clubs, whose state-of-the art facilities provide an exceptional world-class fitness experience, while at the same time encouraging the Phoenix community to come together around TGen for a great cause.

“This event would not be possible with the caring commitment of Village Health Clubs, who since the beginning, have played a key role in the success of Fitness for the Cure,” said Erin Massey, Chief Development Officer at TGen, and Vice President of Philanthropy at City of Hope. “It’s a privilege for TGen to partner with the Village Health Clubs, which like TGen is based right here in Greater Phoenix. Together we help cancer patients in our Arizona community and beyond who desperately need answers today.”

To participate, please register at: www.tgen.org/fitness.

This coming Sunday, pick your location and join dozens of Fitness for the Cure participants at any of four locations of Village Health Clubs in Scottsdale, Chandler and Phoenix.

  • DC Ranch Village Health Club & Spa, 18501 N. Thompson Peak Parkway, Scottsdale; 7 a.m.-1 p.m. Events include: cycling, hot yoga, and a special class called Dance Jam.
  • Gainey Village Health Club & Spa, 7477 E. Doubletree Ranch Road, Scottsdale; 7-11 a.m., focused on cycling.
  • Ocotillo Village Health Club & Spa, 4200 S. Alma School Road, Chandler; 11 a.m.-2 p.m., focused on a multi-sport challenge that includes cycling, running and swimming.
  • Camelback Village Racquet & Health Club, 4444 E. Camelback Road, Phoenix; 3-6 p.m. Events include: cycling, yoga, kinesis and zumba.

Cool-down parties, with a celebratory mimosa bar and light appetizers, will be provided for all registered participants at all four locations.

In addition, on Saturday, Feb. 22, a hike will take place, organized for the two Scottsdale locations, DC Ranch and Gainey.

For more details, please contact Jennie Patel, Events Manager for the TGen Foundation, at: [email protected] or 602-343-8725.

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About TGen, an affiliate of City of Hope
Translational Genomics Research Institute (TGen) is a Phoenix, Arizona-based non-profit organization dedicated to conducting groundbreaking research with life-changing results. TGen is affiliated with City of Hope, a world-renowned independent research and treatment center for cancer, diabetes and other life-threatening diseases: www.cityofhope.org.  This precision medicine affiliation 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. TGen is focused on helping patients with neurological disorders, cancer, diabetes and infectious diseases through cutting-edge translational research (the process of rapidly moving research toward patient benefit).  TGen physicians and scientists work to unravel the genetic components of both common and complex rare diseases in adults and children.  Working with collaborators in the scientific and medical communities worldwide, TGen makes a substantial contribution to help our patients through efficiency and effectiveness of the translational process. For more information, visit: www.tgen.org. Follow TGen on FacebookLinkedIn and Twitter @TGen.

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


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