Cancer is one of the leading causes of death in the U.S. – right next to heart disease – and studies show that 40 percent of people will be diagnosed with cancer sometime in their life. Research programs help physicians stay at the forefront of cancer care by offering their patients innovative therapy and treatment.To expand their research program, the MemorialCare Todd Cancer Institute (TCI) at Long Beach Memorial has partnered with Swim Across America (SAA) for the inaugural open water fundraising swim on Sept. 23.
Having an active clinical research program is imperative to maintaining an excellent cancer program. The MemorialCare Todd Cancer Institute Clinical Research Program provides access to the newest clinical trials through education, detection, prevention and treatment to patients and their families.
“The goal of the MemorialCare Todd Cancer Institute is to continue building the research program by identifying a wide range of trials that reflect all stages of care from early diagnosis, treatment and long term survival,” says Cathy Kopy, executive director, MemorialCare Todd Cancer Institute, Long Beach Memorial.
Treating nearly 2,000 newly diagnosed patients each year, Long Beach Memorial is dedicated to maintaining an inventory of clinical trials that allow patients to be treated with the newest therapies without having to leave their local communities. To meet the needs of the community, Long Beach Memorial broke ground on a 64,000 sq. ft. cancer pavilion to be completed in 2013. The Todd Cancer Pavilion will offer tailored care plans that aggressively target cancer while maintaining and enhancing quality of life.
“The new Todd Cancer Pavilion will give Long Beach Memorial and the City of Long Beach a multi-disciplinary resource for cancer care in a state-of-the-art facility,” says Philip Di Saia, M.D., medical director, MemorialCare Todd Cancer Institute, Long Beach Memorial. “Cancer is a disease that will be with us for many years to come so we need to prepare for the fight with research and tools such as this pavilion.”
Swim Across America is a national non-profit organization dedicated to raising money for cancer research, prevention and treatment through swimming-related events. The inaugural Long Beach open water swim will be held in the 1932 Los Angeles Olympic Games rowing basin at Marine Stadium in Long Beach. Participants can chose to swim as individuals or as part of a team in honor of loved ones. Swimmers can chose between several events including 100 meters, 800 meters, 1.5 km, 5 km or 10 km. The swim is a replica of the 2012 London Olympics triathlon and marathon swimming course, so swimmers can compare their time (overall and split) and pace to the 2012 Olympians who have swam the same course.
Several judges and officials from the 2012 Olympic summer games will be in attendance as well as former Olympians Janel Jorgensen McArdle, Pat McCormick, Greta Andersen, John Moffett and Janet Evans.
“The Long Beach swim is a new venture for us,” says SAA President & CEO Janel Jorgensen McArdle. “We are known for premier open water swims across the country, and with
world-renowned open water expert Steve Munatones as our race director, Long Beach swimmers are in for something special. We couldn’t have found a better partner than the MemorialCare Todd Cancer Institute, and we are really looking forward to creating an annual event that the local community can embrace.”
Following the swim, there will be a celebration and award ceremony for swimmers, their families and friends. Researchers and medical staff from TCI will be on-hand to discuss the importance fundraising has on its continued research efforts.