PHLYTRI News

(PHILADELPHIA, PA) The Philadelphia Insurance Triathlon in Fairmount Park again has partnered with the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia's (CHOP) Division of Oncology as one of its official charities for the 2006 event. 
CHOP is recognized as the number one children's hospital in the country and cares for more children with cancer than any other medical facility in the United States.
"We're proud to be associated with this fine hospital," says race director Lars Beck. "Our program last year was so successful, we wanted to again be a part of raising money and awareness for all that the Children's Hospital does in our community and beyond." 
CHOP's world-renowned research programs have also made important contributions to advances in the care of children with cancer. Physician-scientists at Children's Hospital are pursuing many avenues to improve survival rates for children with cancer while refining treatments to minimize side effects and thus improve the quality of life for cancer survivors. 
In addition to donating proceeds and raising awareness through the race's program, racers can individually feel a sense of giving by racing on "Team CHOP" during the sprint or Olympic course of the Philadelphia Insurance Triathlon. By becoming a member at one of three fundraising levels ($250, $500, or $1,000), racers can show their support with official Team CHOP race wear and be assured that their funds are going directly to the CHOP oncology program. 
Team CHOP members are also encouraged to raise money from their friends and family through additional donations by clicking on the link at PhillyTri.com under "Team CHOP."
"It's our hope that we can fight this deadly disease in children," continues Beck. "By supporting this hospital, we're not just supporting the community, we're potentially saving lives. Hopefully this is a relationship that lasts as long as the Philadelphia Insurance Triathlon." 
Community slots to race the sold-out Olympic-distance triathlon on June 25, 2006 are available to triathletes who wish to raise or donate a minimum of $2,500 to CHOP.
To make a donation to the Division of Oncology at The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, visit the Hospital's Foundation page and select "Oncology-Philadephia Insurance Triathlon" from the drop-down menu in the "Type of Donation" section. To learn more about the Oncology Division's programs and services, or to make a donation using another method, contact Jean Brubaker, Oncology Research Coordinator, at BrubakerJ@email.chop.edu or (215) 590-4475.