Long-Time Sports Duo Reunite to Host Fundraiser for Pulmonary Fibrosis
Guy Junker and Stan Savran to Help Launch the First Violet Rippy 5K Walk/Run for the Coalition for Pulmonary Fibrosis
PITTSBURGH, June 29, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Former SPORTSBEAT Co-Hosts Guy Junker and Stan Savran will reunite to host the first Violet Rippy 5K Walk/Run for Pulmonary Fibrosis. The event will be held at the North Shore Riverfront Park in Pittsburgh on Saturday, August 13, 2011 and will benefit the Coalition for Pulmonary Fibrosis (CPF).
Junker and Savran, both well-known figures in sports media for decades, are taking time away from their current sports jobs to support efforts to find treatments and a cure for the deadly lung disease that causes suffocating scarring in the lung tissue and strikes thousands in Pennsylvania. PF has no treatments and no cure.
"We are honored to co-host this event for such a worthy cause that will not only build awareness and funding for pulmonary fibrosis but will pay tribute to an incredible woman who was lost to the disease," said Guy Junker. Stan Savran said, "It's a terrific opportunity to team up and focus on finding treatments and a cure for this deadly lung disease."
The Violet Rippy 5K Walk/Run is being organized by Rippy's daughter, Tami Rippy, an advocate for the CPF. Violet Rippy died in March 2009 from PF. Inspired by her mother's plight, Tami joined the CPF on Capitol Hill fighting for increased funding for PF research via its National Pulmonary Fibrosis Awareness Week, assisted with other Run/Walks for the CPF, and is a member of a newly launched CPF program called Daughters of PF which activates women, like Rippy, mostly daughters of PF patients, to raise funding and awareness for the disease.
"It is so hard to see someone you love suffer with such a devastating disease, knowing there is nothing you can do to stop it," said Rippy. "I want to change things for the people who have this disease so that no other families will have to experience what we went through."
Savran serves as the primary host of Pirates and Penguins pregame shows on Root Sports. During football season, Savran hosts The Mike Tomlin Show and the Mike Tomlin Press Conference and also hosts Savran on Sports on ESPN Radio 970 weekdays from 10 a.m.-12 p.m. in Pittsburgh. Junker is WTAE-TV Channel 4's Sports Director, and has won six Emmys as Host and Writer of "The Penn State Football Story".
What: Violet Rippy 5KWalk/Run for Pulmonary Fibrosis
When: Saturday August 13, 2011 – Pittsburgh, PA
Registration Opens at 9:00 a.m., Walk Begins at 10 a.m.
Where: North Shore Riverfront Park
In front of Gate A - Heinz Field (at landing near River)
Registration fee: $15, Children 12 and under: free
Contact: To register or for more information, visit www.coalitionforpf.org or contact Tami Rippy ([email protected] or 888.222.8451x704)
If you're unable to attend or participate in the 5K Run/Walk, you can still give via the Rippy fundraising page at: http://www.firstgiving.com/fundraiser/tami-rippy/violet-rippy-5k-walkrun-for-pf
About Pulmonary Fibrosis (PF)
Pulmonary Fibrosis (PF) is a lung disorder characterized by a progressive scarring – known as fibrosis -- and deterioration of the lungs, which slowly robs its victims of their ability to breathe. Approximately 128,000 Americans suffer from PF, and there is currently no known cause or cure. An estimated 48,000 new cases are diagnosed each year. PF is difficult to diagnose and an estimated two-thirds of patients die within five years of diagnosis. Sometimes PF can be linked to a particular cause, such as certain environmental exposures, chemotherapy or radiation therapy, residual infection, or autoimmune diseases such as scleroderma or rheumatoid arthritis. However, in many instances, no known cause can be established. When this is the case, it is called idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF).
About the CPF
The CPF is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, founded in 2001 to accelerate research efforts leading to a cure for pulmonary fibrosis (PF), while educating, supporting, and advocating for the community of patients, families, and medical professionals fighting this disease. The CPF funds promising research into new approaches to treat and cure PF; provides patients and families with comprehensive education materials, resources, and hope; serves as a voice for national advocacy of PF issues; and works to improve awareness of PF in the medical community as well as the general public. The CPF's nonprofit partners include many of the most respected medical centers and healthcare organizations in the U.S. With more than 23,000 members nationwide, the CPF is the largest nonprofit organization in the U.S. dedicated to advocating for those with PF. For more information please visit www.coalitionforpf.org or call (888) 222-8541.
Contact:
Teresa Barnes
Coalition for Pulmonary Fibrosis
303-521-4080
[email protected]
SOURCE Coalition for Pulmonary Fibrosis
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