Press Release
Just a quick update and too keep ya'll informed.
http://www.forbes.com/prnewswire/fe...wire200802281140PR_NEWS_USPR_____DC15324.html
GERIATRIC ONCOLOGY CONSORTIUM (GOC ) ANNOUNCES TAMPA BAY ROAD RALLY TO RAISE AWARENESS FOR THE TREATMENT OF SENIORS WITH CANCER
Thursday, February 28, 2008
The Geriatric Oncology Consortium (“The GOCâ€) announced today that it is bringing its annual Road Rally, Driving Out Cancer, to the Tampa Bay area.
The GOC, a not-for-profit organization headquartered in Baltimore, MD, is a national research and educational network of Oncology healthcare providers with a mission of furthering the science of Gero-Oncology. In an effort to raise awareness and funds for this effort, the GOC will present its first Tampa Road Rally and Show, “Driving Out Cancerâ€, on April 26, 2008. This event will showcase antique, vintage, high performance and luxury vehicles from around the country. More than 100 privately-owned or loaned vehicles will be on display. These cars, trucks and motorcycles will follow a parade route starting from The Hut, 514 Channelside Drive in Tampa, but can also be viewed up close at The Salt Rock Grill, 19325 Gulf Boulevard, Indian Shores beginning at approximately 12:00PM. In addition to the vehicles on display at The Salt Rock Grill, the event will feature live music, food, and a number of special activities.
When the Geriatric Oncology Consortium was formed over 5 years ago, it was evident that the organization did not have the kind of information necessary to best treat the older adult with cancer. “In a system that practices evidence-based medicine, we need more data to make smarter treatment choicesâ€, states Jody Simon, MS, RPh, CEO and Co-founder of the organization. Adds Simon, “With over 60% of all cancers appearing in people over the age of 65, and the continued aging of our population, the problem will only become greater and more pressing from both a national health and economic perspective.†Lodovico Balducci, MD, head of the Senior Adult Program at Moffitt Cancer Center and GOC Co-Founder, echoes these sentiments. “What most people don’t know is that the greatest risk factor for getting cancer is getting olderâ€, says Balducci. “There is immediate need for research in older cancer patients, as we don't know how they react to medications and what benefits and risks are specific to this group. We need to build on the amount of clinical research, provide better support systems, and have more targeted focus in this area to make up ground for our past lack of interest and emphasis in this ever growing population. This greatly affects all of us!â€
Currently, 6 out of 10 cancer diagnoses are associated with persons over the age of 65. Unlike other segments of the population, cancer diagnosis and treatment in the older cancer patient presents many unique challenges due in part to co-morbid conditions and other sensitive health-related issues typically associated with the aging process. Although efforts are improving, the older adult population is still significantly underserved in cancer education and treatment options. The GOC Road Rally provides a platform through which participants and sponsors can actively support The GOC’s ongoing efforts toward support groups for patients and caregivers, educational initiatives, clinical research, and public awareness activities.
Road Rally Information and Sponsorship
Key sponsorship opportunities are currently available for the GOC “Driving Out Cancer†Road Rally. For sponsorship or event information, or to register a vehicle, please contact:
Emily Timmerman
(813) 969-1722 ext 118
[email protected]
The GOC gratefully acknowledges the support of its primary corporate sponsors, including The H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Dimmitt Luxury Motor Cars, The Hut, and The Salt Rock Grill.