April 13, 2007

CONTACT: Olivia Fermano
(215) 349-5653
olivia.fermano@uphs.upenn.edu

Kids Swim for the Cure
All Proceeds Benefit Skin Cancer Research Programs
at the Abramson Cancer Center of the University of Pennsylvania

WHAT:

Third annual Kids Swim for the Cure swim-a-thon to raise funds for skin cancer research.
WHO & WHY:

Two years ago, two students from the Westtown School, motivated by community service and mitzvah projects (mitzvah means “good deed”), worked together to start the Kids Swim for the Cure swim-a-thon. In just two years, Kids Swim for the Cure has raised nearly $17,000 for skin cancer research at the Abramson Cancer Center of the University of Pennsylvania. The money raised by these extraordinary students has not only supported innovative research and patient care programs at the Abramson Cancer Center, but has also increased public awareness and education about skin cancer – particularly melanoma – the deadliest form of skin cancer.

This year’s event will be a day to celebrate these dedicated young swimmers, while increasing support and awareness of skin cancer.

Their goal this year is to break the $20,000 mark!

Special guests will include:

Lynn Schuchter, MD, the Abramson Cancer Center’s Melanoma Program will speak about the latest melanoma research, treatment, and prevention.
           
Mike Schnur, Head Swim Coach [men's, women's] of the University of Pennsylvania, to speak about swimming tips and training advice.
WHEN:

Saturday, April 14, 2007
9:00 AM to 4 PM
WHERE:

Westtown School Pool [directions, campus map]
1045 Westtown Rd
Main Entrance
West Chester, PA 19382

 

###

PENN Medicine is a $2.9 billion enterprise dedicated to the related missions of medical education, biomedical research, and high-quality patient care. PENN Medicine consists of the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine (founded in 1765 as the nation's first medical school) and the University of Pennsylvania Health System.

Penn's School of Medicine is ranked #2 in the nation for receipt of NIH research funds; and ranked #3 in the nation in U.S. News & World Report's most recent ranking of top research-oriented medical schools. Supporting 1,400 fulltime faculty and 700 students, the School of Medicine is recognized worldwide for its superior education and training of the next generation of physician-scientists and leaders of academic medicine.

The University of Pennsylvania Health System includes three hospitals, all of which have received numerous national patient-care honors [Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania; Pennsylvania Hospital, the nation's first hospital; and Penn Presbyterian Medical Center]; a faculty practice plan; a primary-care provider network; two multispecialty satellite facilities; and home care and hospice.


This release is available online at
http://www.uphs.upenn.edu/news/News_Releases/apr07/kids-swim-for-cure.html