Kick Off for Tour de Cure 2009 this Thursday

January 7, 2009

SCOTTSDALE – American Diabetes Association’s Tour de Cure, a bicycling event to raise money for research to cure diabetes, is holding their 2009 Kick Off event from 6 to 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 8, at the Scottsdale Civic Center Library Auditorium, 3839 N. Drinkwater Blvd., Scottsdale.

Diabetes affects 24 million Americans and is the fifth leading cause of death by disease in America. Complications include heart disease and stroke, kidney disease, blindness, nerve damage, and foot and leg amputations. This year, about 1.6 million people will be diagnosed with diabetes. Diabetes is a chronic disease that has no cure.

The American Diabetes Association’s Tour de Cure will raise critically needed funds for research to find a cure and provide programs that improve the lives of all people affected by diabetes, including the 174,000 in Maricopa County.

For more information visit www.diabetes.org/tour or call 888-DIABETES (800-342-2383), ext. 7093.

Scottsdale Healthcare hosts art exhibit by those touched by cancer

January 7, 2009

SCOTTSDALE – The Virginia G. Piper Cancer Center at Scottsdale Healthcare Shea will host the 2008 "Lilly Oncology on Canvas" exhibit Jan. 12-23. The complimentary exhibit features 150 pieces in a variety of art mediums, accompanied by a story about the artwork. The exhibit is open Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

The exhibit is a result of a competition developed by Eli Lilly and Company. Artists touched by cancer – including patients, their family members, friends and others – submit their works and winning entries are selected by a panel of judges that includes cancer survivors, oncologists, health professionals, journalists and cancer advocates. Prizes are contributions made to the artist's cancer charity of choice. Selected art from the competition is displayed in a nationwide exhibition, such as the tour dates at the Virginia G. Piper Cancer Center.

Located on the campus of Scottsdale Healthcare Shea, the Virginia G. Piper Cancer Center is at 10460 N. 92nd St., Scottsdale. For more information, call 480-323-1000.

Hospice volunteers needed

PHOENIX – Start your new year right by sharing your heart and giving back. Hospice of Arizona is looking for warm and caring people to share their time and hearts with terminally ill patients and their families.

Volunteers can spend time with patients in their homes, group homes or inpatient units. Bilingual Spanish speaking volunteers are also needed to assist with bereavement support for families. A free four session certification training will be held Jan. 21, 6 to 9 p.m., Jan. 24, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Jan. 28, 6 to 9 p.m. and Jan. 31, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at 2222 W. Northern Ave., Suite A-100.

For more information or to register, please call the Volunteer Department at 602-678-1313.

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