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- Posted Monday October 12, 2020
TGen’s 15th annual Step-N-Out 5K is coming to your neighborhood
Supporters of TGen’s pancreatic cancer research will come together in a new and safe way Nov. 1-7 through a Step-N-Out smartphone app
PHOENIX, Ariz. — Oct. 12, 2020 — The Translational Genomics Research Institute (TGen), an affiliate of City of Hope, is bringing together thousands of supporters of the institute’s world-class pancreatic cancer research in ways never envisioned before the advent of COVID-19.
“While the pandemic makes it impossible for thousands to join safely in one place, as we did the past 14 years, technology enables our 15th annual Step-N-Out 5K, now a virtual event, to engage more people from throughout the Phoenix metro area, around all parts of Arizona, and across the nation,” said Erin Massey, Chief Development Officer of the TGen Foundation. “COVID-19 has actually given us a new and even greater opportunity to connect with people who want to eliminate pancreatic cancer.”
Kicking off Pancreatic Cancer Awareness month on Sunday, Nov. 1, and continuing through Nov. 7, Step-N-Out participants will be encouraged to walk and run — appropriately distanced — with family and friends. And, through a dedicated smartphone app, participants will be able to easily share their experiences.
“Since we can’t gather together in a large group, we want to invite supporters from across the nation to walk or run anytime and anywhere during the first week of November in support of TGen’s fight against pancreatic cancer,” said Jennie Patel, TGen Foundation Events Manager. “Technology enables us to easily share our Step-N-Out stories, share photos of participants walking or running, stay engaged with others, and support an effort that we all deeply care about.”
All registered participants will receive a link to the Step-N-Out online event and instructions to download the app. To register or start your own team, please go to: www.tgen.org/step.
“As we continue to navigate the COVID-19 pandemic, it is becoming increasingly important to stay connected, and stay active,” Massey said. “Participating in Step-N-Out gives people a forum to do both, while also helping combat pancreatic cancer.”
Promising news for pancreatic cancer patients
This year, there is a special reason to celebrate. In September, a team of TGen and Mayo Clinic researchers published the results of a study in the journal Cancer Research, identifying specific potential therapeutic targets for the most aggressive and lethal form of pancreatic cancer.
In what is believed to be the most comprehensive analysis of adenosquamous cancer of the pancreas (ASCP), the research team identified therapeutic targets for this extremely fast-moving and deadly form of pancreatic cancer, and identified already available cancer treatments originally designed for other types of cancer. The results are expected to lead to new clinical trials for patients; results made possible thorough Step-N-Out.
Additional details about this year’s Step-N-Out
Registered participants will receive an email with details about Step-N-Out, including instructions for downloading a dedicated app for smartphones that will help participants engage with one another and their personal networks throughout the event.
“Through the app, you’ll be able to engage with other race participants, share your photos, and — perhaps most importantly — share your stories about why you walk,” said Patel, “about who in your family, or among your friends or in your community; who it is on which you want to shine a light of hope.”
Participants can choose from a variety of donation categories:
Cancer Survivor: $20
5K Virtual Walk or Run: $35
Child 5K Walk or Run: $25
Adult 1.5-Mile Runner/Walker: $30
Child 1.5-Mile Runner/Walker: $20
For more information, please contact TGen Foundation Events Manager Jennie Patel 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 nonprofit 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: 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: tgen.org. Follow TGen on Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter @TGen.
Media Contact:
Steve Yozwiak
TGen Senior Science Writer
602-343-8704
[email protected]
