Runners pass halfway mark; continue commitment to raise funds and awareness for HIV/AIDS
THUNDER BAY, ON, Aug. 13, 2015 /CNW/ - The Mylan Relay for Hope announced that its team of runners, making its way across Canada in support of those living with or at risk of HIV/AIDS, has reached the halfway mark of the relay's 8,300 km cross-country journey.
On August 8, the team visited the Terry Fox monument. The statue was erected in memory of Terry Fox, the courageous young Canadian who embarked on a cross-country run for cancer research - the Marathon of Hope – in year 1980.
To date, more than 25 professional and amateur runners have participated in the relay, which began on April 21 in St. John's, NL. In each province, teams of three run westward, relay-style, until they can hand off the baton to the next provincial team. The trios in each province run an average of 50 km per day, split between the three athletes who are running largely on a volunteer basis. Along the way, community members are invited to show their support by texting a donation, following the relay on social media or joining the team for a portion of the run.
Major cities already visited by the Relay include Halifax, May 21; Montreal, June 20; Ottawa, June 25; and Toronto on July 5. Upcoming stops include Winnipeg, August 26; Regina, September 9; Calgary, September 26, and finally Hope, October 15-17.
Kim Thomas, acting CEO for the Canadian AIDS Society, is impressed by the tenacity and motivation of the runners.
"Canada is an immense country with long, long stretches of lonely highway. Running this distance, for many of us, would be a momentous task. These runners go about their business without complaint. Every kilometre they run is fully appreciated by the Canadian AIDS Society and the communities of people living with HIV/AIDS that we support. Every kilometre of this relay helps to raise awareness and start essential conversations about HIV and AIDS in Canada."
John Reeves, director Marketing and Customer Service, Running Room Canada Inc., a sponsor of the inaugural relay, says he has been impressed by the dedication of the team.
"Over the years, we've seen how Canadian runners have an inspiring passion for doing good in their communities. The Running Room is inspired by those who use running to do something meaningful for society and seeks to empower others to do the same. The runners in the Mylan Relay for Hope have a special spark and drive, and we commend and thank them for it."
The goal of the Mylan Relay for Hope is to make Canadians aware of the ongoing issues those living with HIV/AIDS face around the world, but especially here at home where, contrary to popular belief, HIV infection is far from eradicated. Today, more than 71,000 Canadians are living with HIV / AIDS. The relay also seeks to raise funds for the Canadian AIDS Society, the relay's main partner, as well as the Elton John AIDS Foundation, in developing programs to support people living with HIV and AIDS in Canada and abroad.
As the relay's primary sponsor, Mylan – one of the world's leading generics and specialty pharmaceutical companies – shares this commitment to stemming the tide of HIV/AIDS.
"We're grateful for the opportunity to lead this important campaign," said Naguib Fahmy, head of Mylan Pharmaceuticals ULC. "Today, nearly 50% of those being treated for HIV/AIDS in the developing world depend on a Mylan antiretroviral product. We're proud of our company's efforts to continue expanding access to these critical medicines by making high quality, more affordable treatment options available to patients who need them."
About Mylan
Mylan is a global pharmaceutical company committed to setting new standards in healthcare. Working together around the world to provide 7 billion people access to high quality medicine, we innovate to satisfy unmet needs; make reliability and service excellence a habit; do what's right, not what's easy; and impact the future through passionate global leadership. We offer a growing portfolio of around 1,400 generic pharmaceuticals and several brand medications. In addition, we offer a wide range of antiretroviral therapies, upon which nearly 50% of HIV/AIDS patients in developing countries depend. We also operate one of the largest active pharmaceutical ingredient manufacturers and currently market products in about 145 countries and territories. Our workforce of approximately 30,000 people is dedicated to creating better health for a better world, one person at a time. Learn more at mylan.com.
About the Canadian AIDS Society
Incorporated since 1986, the Canadian AIDS Society (CAS) is a national coalition of community-based AIDS organizations across Canada. CAS is dedicated to strengthening the response to HIV/AIDS across all sectors of society, and to enriching the lives of people and communities living with HIV/AIDS. For more information, please visit: www.cdnaids.ca.
About The Running Room
The Running Room was founded in 1984 in one room of an old house shared with a hairdressing shop in Edmonton, Alberta. The success of the Running Room is reliant on the fact that it doesn't just sell shoes and equipment; it sells a commitment to active living. Today, this Canadian company is one of North America's most recognized names in running and walking. Please visit www.runningroom.ca.
SOURCE Mylan Relay for Hope
Image with caption: "(L-R): Mylan Relay for Hope runners, Heidi, Hamza, Richard & Brian visiting the Terry Fox monument in Thunder Bay, ON. The campaign is Canada's latest HIV/AIDS awareness program. Raising funds coast-to-coast, Relay for Hope began its journey in St. John's, NL, April 21 and is scheduled to conclude in Hope, B.C. (CNW Group/Mylan Relay for Hope)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20150813_C8739_PHOTO_EN_477484.jpg
Jay Reyes, Torchia Communications, [email protected]; Office: 416-341-9929 ext. 222
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