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- Posted Tuesday July 15, 2014
Positive Image Sports holds community fundraiser for TGen research; attempts to set Guinness record
Celebrities turn out Aug. 2 in Sierra Vista to support TGen cancer research
SIERRA VISTA, Ariz. - July 15, 2014 - Arizonans
are encouraged to turn out in force Aug. 2 at Sierra Vista Mall to
raise funds for cancer research while attempting to set a world
record for dribbling basketballs.
Dubbed Dribble for Cancer, the organizations and individuals who
register and participate, will become part of the attempt to break
the world record for the most individuals dribbling a basketball at
the same time. Guinness World Records personnel will
witness the event. The organizers, Positive Image Sports, are
hoping that at least 7,996 people will participate between 7 and 10
a.m. that day, breaking the record.
"This is a fun way to meet new people, get some exercise, and
raise money for a worthy cause," said Scott Andres, a volunteer at
Positive Image Sports.
Positive Impact
Among the organizations benefiting from the event is the Translational
Genomics Research Institute (TGen), a Phoenix-based non-profit
biomedical research organization focused on helping patients with
cancer, neurological disorders and diabetes, through cutting edge
translational research - the process of rapidly moving research
toward patient benefit.
"For the first time in history we have the ability to fully study
the genetic components of complex diseases such as cancer," said
Dr. John Carpten, Deputy Director of Basic Science and Director of
the Integrated Cancer Genomics Division at TGen. "And thanks to
advocates like Scott and David, their focused public attention
brings increased awareness to this disease and research funding
that helps support TGen's patient-focused research."
Established in 2002, TGen physicians and scientists work to
unravel the genetic components of both common and rare complex
diseases in adults and children.
"Whether through family or friends, most people have personally
been affected by cancer on some level," said David Jones, President
of Positive Image Sports. "People say, 'Early diagnosis is the
key.' What better way to provide this solution than to contribute
to research working toward improved ways to diagnose and treat
cancer, especially since the research is happening here in our own
state."
Special guests at the event include former NBA player Corey Gaines
and former UCLA standout and noted sports executive and commentator
Anne Meyers-Drysdale. Gaines played for UCLA and was drafted with
the Seattle Supersonics in 1988. He played for five years for the
NBA and also played for the Japanese league. After playing for the
NBA he became the basketball sports coach for the Phoenix Mercury
leading the women's team to a WBA Championship in 2009.
Meyers-Drysdale is a major figure in the history of women's
basketball and sports journalism. A standout player in high school,
college, the Olympic games, international tournaments, and the
professional levels, she was the first player to be part of the
U.S. national team while still in high school. She was the first
woman at UCLA to be signed to a four-year athletic scholarship for
college and while at UCLA she became the only woman in history to
sign a contract with an NBA Team when the Indiana Pacers signed her
in 1979.
She currently serves as the vice president for the WNBA's Phoenix
Mercury and the NBA's Phoenix Suns. For nearly 30 years, she served
as a network television sports analyst for ESPN, CBS, and NBC. In
2006, Meyers Drysdale was awarded the Ronald Reagan Media Award
from the United States Sports Academy.
How To Register
Individual registration is available online at www.dribbleforcancer.org or
pick up the forms at various locations in Sierra Vista: IHOP,
Holiday Inn Express, Peter Piper Pizza, Down Home BBQ,
Substandards, Hot Diggety Dog, Valor Hospice Care, Complete
Nutrition, Sears or Sierra Vista City Hall.
# # #
Press Contact:
David Jones
Michele Cotton
[email protected]
602-299-4231
