Sponsored by
Miles for hope
Miles For Hope - Phone 727-647-6548 - Fax 727-796-0067 - www.MilesForHope.org
MEDIA CONTACT:
Barb Gibbs
(727) 647-6548
MILES FOR HOPE TO HOLD 2ND ANNUAL MOVING TOWARD A CURE EVENT TO RAISE FUNDS FOR EXPERIMENTAL BRAIN CANCER VACCINE
Clearwater, Florida – August 25, 2009 - Miles for Hope, a non-profit organization, dedicated to raising funds to find a cure for brain cancer, has partnered with AirTran Airways, Bright House, and Northwest Biothereputics to bring you the second annual Moving Towards A Cure event. All proceeds from this event will be used to expand existing brain tumor vaccine trials. Bob Gibbs, a five year survivor of brain cancer owes his life to the vaccine, and wants others to have access to the same vaccine that has saved his life.
Northwest Biothereputics has been a leader in the development and production of cancer vaccines. In fact, they have and are using a vaccine for prostate cancer also. “We feel so strongly that DCVax Brain has saved my life, that Miles for Hope has committed to get these trials opened to give others access to the same experimental vaccine that saved my life” Gibbs says.
Moving Towards a Cure ’09 will be held at Coachman Park in Clearwater, Florida on September 26, 2009. This event brings together cycling enthusiasts, runners, and walkers in one single venue. People can choose to participate in three different cycling events, a 5k timed run, a 5k walk, or a 1 mile fun walk. Part of the event will also bring in competitive cycling around the perimeter of Coachman Park. “We are excited to move the event to Coachman Park this year as this will provide the ability for friends and family to come out and cheer on their loved ones as they participate in the events, and allows the public to watch a competitive cycling event right here in Clearwater. We also want people to see what the new downtown Clearwater looks like. For those that haven’t seen it since the revitalization started, you have to come out to this event and see it.
Registration is now open and we encourage people to register early. Participants are encouraged to start individual and team fundraising. “Due to the effects of the current economic conditions, most vaccine clinical trials have all stopped enrolling new patients, and this is quite disturbing to us since it’s one of the only treatments showing real promise in the fight against brain cancer” says Gibbs. The FDA has not approved any new treatments for brain cancer in over twenty years. Brain cancer also remains to be one of the most deadly forms of cancer with one of the highest mortality rates.
Barb Gibbs, co-founder of Miles For Hope says “Our goal with this event is to encourage people to get out on their bikes, or put a pair of sneakers on and come out and join us for a fun family event. We also hope to raise awareness of the critical need
Miles for hope
Miles For Hope - Phone 727-647-6548 - Fax 727-796-0067 - www.MilesForHope.org
for funding brain cancer research and clinical trials, and of course to raise the funds necessary to open enrollment to even more patients in these trials”.
There will be a great post event celebration. There will be several performers partaking in a charity concert. The concert will be free to the public, but donations are encouraged. All registered participants will receive a free continental breakfast and lunch. Food will be available to the public for purchase through local vendors. There will also be activities for the kids, even free sno-cones, so bring the whole family down. More information on this can be found at www.milesforhope.org or by calling Miles for Hope at (727) 647-6548.
“We are in this for the long haul,” said Robert Gibbs. “No donation is too small, because every dollar brings us closer to finding a cure for this otherwise terminal disease.”
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