Miles For Hope To Break Guinness World Record For Brain Tumor Awareness

    CLEARWATER, FL, March 06, 2009 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Miles for Hope, a non-profit organization, dedicated to raising funds to find a cure for brain cancers, has partnered with the Dunedin Blue Jays and AirTran Airways to bring you a Guinness World Record Breaking event "Together In Hope" candlelight vigil. All proceeds from this event will be used to fund brain cancer vaccine trials and provide travel assistance to qualified patients enrolled in clinical trials.

"Together In Hope" is being held in conjunction with the Dunedin Blue Jays' at Dunedin Stadium for Opening Day on April 10, 2009 with gates opening at 6 pm. The candlelight vigil will be held immediately following the game and will attempt to break a Guinness World Record for most simultaneously lit candles at a single venue. Following the vigil the Dunedin Blue Jays will have their first Post Game Firework Show of the season. Tickets are only $8 and will include a ticket to the Dunedin Blue Jays home opener against the Clearwater Threshers, a "Together In Hope" candle, matches and a commemorative keepsake, as well as the Firework Show. Seating at the stadium will be limited and are available for advanced purchase at www.milesforhope.org/tih.php. "We expect this game and event to sell out quickly," said Barb Gibbs, Executive Director of Miles for Hope. "We strongly suggest that you reserve your tickets early." "The Blue Jays are very proud to be a part of this event. Opening Day is always an exciting time of year for us, so to partner with Miles For Hope to help raise funds for this important cause makes it even more exciting," said Janette Donoghue, Assistant General Manager of the Blue Jays.

"In another effort to increase awareness about brain cancers, we have also created a "Virtual Online Vigil" for those who are unable to attend the "Together In Hope" event. We hope to have a minimum of one million people visit the virtual vigil and learn about brain cancers, and how they can help in finding a cure for this disease. The virtual vigil is online and active, and can be accessed at www.milesforhope.org/vigil said Robert Gibbs.

Miles for Hope attempts to bridge the gap between vaccine trials and those who are unable to travel for the trials or are unaware of them altogether. "History dictates that vaccines have cured and prevented many diseases," said Gibbs, a brain cancer survivor and founder of Miles for Hope. "Therefore, it's critical that we do our best to make the public aware of the importance of funding these trials."

"Together In Hope" is the second event in what the Gibbs' hope will be an ongoing series of public events to help raise awareness and money in order to fight this deadly form of disease. "There are over 120 different types of brain cancers, making effective treatment very difficult," said Barb Gibbs. "There are over 1,000,000 people living in the United States with brain cancers. Dealing with the symptoms of a brain cancer can be difficult. Oftentimes, the hope for a cure is what keeps many brain cancer patients going."

Miles for Hope was founded by brain cancer survivor Robert Gibbs and his wife Barb. Gibbs was diagnosed with a Grade II brain cancer in 2004. He has had to undergo two brain surgeries, his second surgery in 2008 revealed the cancer had become more aggressive, now a Grade III cancer. This qualified him to participate in an existing clinical trial at UCLA. He is now receiving an innovative brain cancer vaccine developed by his doctor, Linda M. Liau, M.D., Ph.D. Director of the UCLA Brain Cancer Program. So far the vaccine has showed remarkable results for Gibbs. The Gibbs' devote all their energy to finding a cure for brain cancer. It is this devotion that led to the creation of Miles for Hope.

In addition to the support of AirTran Airways (www.airtran.com), the Gibbs' hope to attract more sponsors to support upcoming events. As part of their support, AirTran has donated flights to Miles For Hope for qualified brain cancer patients who need to travel in order to participate in clinical trials.

"We are in this for the long haul," said Robert Gibbs. "No donation is too small, every dollar brings us closer to finding a cure for this otherwise terminal disease."

About Miles for Hope

Miles for Hope was established by Bob & Barb Gibbs to raise funds for promising brain tumor clinical trials and research. We are dedicated to raising funds to improve current treatments for brain tumors, and to assist brain tumor patients with travel expenses for their treatment.

Our goal at Miles for Hope is to provide a complete source for cutting edge treatment and support for both the patient and care givers. There are many wonderful sources of information on the internet for brain tumors, and our goal is to compile these resources at one location. Here you will find a large support forum full of information, the most current clinical trial information, breaking news regarding brain tumors, and other support and awareness tools for your use in combating and fighting brain tumors.

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