The Gift of Life and Breath Race

NEWS MEDIA ADVISORY

May 10, 2007 Contact: Caitlin Jenney (303) 724-1520, caitlin.jenney@uchsc.edu

“The Gift of Life and Breath" Race to Benefit University of Colorado Cancer Center

First annual run/walk raises funds for early lung cancer detection research

WHO: University of Colorado Cancer Center, together with the University of Colorado Foundation and Gary and Thelissa Zollinger, will host the first annual Gift of Life and Breath run/walk.

As the leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States, lung cancer will kill more people this year than breast, prostate, colon and kidney cancers and melanoma combined. Presently, there are no standard screening tests for early lung cancer detection, which serve as the best method for beating the disease. The University of Colorado Cancer Center is currently targeting research efforts in this vital area of need. This research would facilitate a screening that would reduce the trauma of treatment and dramatically increase survival of lung cancer patients.

WHAT: Although never a smoker, Gary Zollinger was diagnosed with stage four lung cancer in 2004. Since then, he has undergone chemotherapy, radiation and ultimately, a rare double lung transplant at the University of Colorado Hospital on May 19, 2006. The Gift of Life and Breath 5K run/walk is being held in honor of Gary’s successful transplant one year ago.
Approximately 350 participants will show their support in the fight against lung cancer, a disease that kills 150,000 people annually.
The race is free but donations for early detection research are appreciated.

WHEN:   Saturday, May 19th, 9:00 a.m.
                Check in – 7:30 a.m.
                Check in closes – 8:45 a.m.
                Race/Walk begins – 9:00 a.m.
                Awards Ceremony – 10:15 a.m.

WHERE: Cherry Creek State Park, E. Lehigh Ave, Aurora, CO 80014

PARKING: Take the East Gate (Entrance) located 1 mile south of I-225 on Parker Road in Aurora. Follow the signs to the Smoky Hill Picnic Area. For free parking, inform the park ranger you are there for The Gift of Life and Breath run.

INTERVIEWS: Gary Zollinger and the Zollinger family, Michael Weyant, MD, University of Colorado Cancer Center

PHOTO OPPS: Runners and walkers, families and children

WEB SITE: www.thegiftoflifeandbreath.com

The University of Colorado Cancer Center is the only National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer center in the Rocky Mountain Region. Headquartered primarily at the University of Colorado at Denver and Health Sciences Center, its four-part mission is excellence in cancer research, treatment, prevention and education. For more information, visit the Web site at www.uccc.info or the UCDHSC Newsroom at http://www.uchsc.edu/news/inthenews/.

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