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