CISCRP Launches Virtual Fitness Challenge To Recognize Clinical Trial Volunteers

Appreci-a-thon runs throughout the month of February and accommodates each individual’s personal physical activities

The Center for Information and Study on Clinical Research Participation (CISCRP), a Boston-based nonprofit organization announces that it has launched a virtual fitness challenge to raise awareness and recognize people who participate in clinical trials. This novel event – dubbed the Medical Hero Appreci-a-thon – encourages patients, professionals and the public to show their support.

A large and growing body of research shows that general public awareness and understanding of the important, courageous and altruistic role of clinical trial participants is low. An estimated 1.8 million people volunteered to participate in clinical trials regulated by the Food and Drug Administration in 2018. Without these volunteers, the development of new medical treatments and the advancement of public health would not occur.

CISCRP invites the public, patients, health and clinical research professionals to “go the distance” and show their support by registering and participating in a fitness challenge that follows a virtual Route 66 racecourse. Participants can conveniently log any and all forms of physical activity to advance along the virtual route each day. Proceeds from the virtual fitness challenge will support educational programs designed to help patients and their families better navigate the clinical research experience.

Since 2003, CISCRP has been producing educational and awareness-building programs and events nationwide including AWARE-for-ALL and the Medical Heroes 5K run/walk.

“We’ve collaborated with the National Institutes of Health and the private sector to develop a number of awareness building campaigns including ‘Behind Every Medicine’, ‘Medical Heroes in Everyday Places,’ and the ‘MT Pharmacy’ during the past 15 years,” said Ken Getz, CISCRP’s founder. “With the new Medical Hero Appreci-a-thon, CISCRP hopes to attract and raise awareness and active support among a much larger audience.”

The Med Hero Appreci-a-thon challenge officially begins on February 1, 2019 and runs through February 28. CISCRP has produced this event in collaboration with Racery, an organization that designs platforms to power virtual fitness activities. Registration is now open and participants can register at www.MedHero.org.

About CISCRP:
The Center for Information and Study on Clinical Research Participation (CISCRP) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to engaging the public and patients as partners in the clinical research process. CISCRP provides free education and outreach to the general public and patient communities. For more information, visit www.CISCRP.org