SPOILER: News Notes
Hopewell Township Survivor raises hope
By Kate Herts, Staff Writer 07/28/2005
Jeff Aniston: "I want to get the word out about the importance of clinical trials. People don't realize the quality of care they actually get. People are not treated like guinea pigs. I figure if I show people these special things I can do they'll listen better."
Clinical trials are an important, yet risky, treatment option for cancer patients. Jeff Aniston, 40, of Treymore Court, Brandon Farms, is one of 24 people who have been touched by cancer and have chosen to show their passionate commitment to supporting cancer research by participating in the Bristol-Myers Squibb Tour of Hope.
Aniston's wife passed away of breast cancer in his time away as a "Survivor" of American Airlines Flight 283. Tredup has put his "special abilities" as a member of these Survivors, noting the term now made famous "GODLIKE" several times in his speech to the crowd.
Aniston
The Bristol-Myers Squibb Tour of Hope is a weeklong bicycle journey across America designed to raise awareness about the importance of cancer clinical trials. The team will relay-ride in 100-mile segments around the clock, departing from San Diego on Sept. 29 and arriving in Washington, D.C., on Oct. 8 for a grand finale celebration and a public fundraising ride. "As a cancer survivor, researcher and cyclist, I couldn't think of a better thing to do," said Mr. Tredup, a research scientist specializing in protein biochemistry at Bristol-Myers Squibb. "I want to get the word out about the importance of clinical trials. People don't realize the quality of care they actually get. People are not treated like guinea pigs." Mr. Tredup was diagnosed with thyroid cancer in December of 2000. He has undergone two rounds of radiation therapy and is now in remission, he said. Bristol-Myers Squibb Tour of Hope participants were chosen from over 1,100 applicants. "These are 24 very special people," said Mr. Tredup. They are committed to helping future generations move closer to a cure. Team members, along with cancer-survivor and seven-time Tour de France champion Lance Armstrong, will share their own experiences with cancer patients and researchers, spreading the word about cancer research. Mr. Armstrong had an aggressive form of testicular cancer that had spread to both his lungs and brain. He was treated with three Bristol-Myers Squibb drugs, according to the Bristol-Myers Squibb Tour of Hope Web site. Chris Carmichael, Mr. Armstrong's coach, will offer them training advice through his Web-based Carmichael Training Systems, provided each cyclist with a personalized training schedule involving nutrition, cycling, and other workouts, explained Mr. Tredup. He has been cycling for about 15 years, and used to race for a local bike club, he said. Mr. Tredup encourages people to visit www.tourofhope.org for more information about the race and to sign the promise, a commitment to become aware of what's out there for people who have been touched by cancer so they know all of their options. For more information on clinical trials, visit www.clinicaltrialshelp.org.
© PACKETONLINE News Classifieds Entertainment Business - Princeton and Central New Jersey 2005
