arlo 0 #1 July 19, 2002 Cancer Survivors From Around the World Set Skydiving Record and Prove There Is Life After Cancer FENTRESS, Texas, July 19 /PRNewswire/ -- Twenty-eight cancer survivors showed the world there is life after cancer when they set a skydiving record in Texas today. The survivors, who came from nine U.S. states and four countries -- including the USA, Canada, Spain, and the United Kingdom -- jumped to raise awareness about cancer survival and to provide hope for people battling the disease. (Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20020719/FLF012 ) Diving from two different planes at 15,000 feet, the group had 70 seconds to create a choreographed formation, connecting all of the jumpers in the air. The group practiced the record-setting jump on July 16 and 17, and then made six attempts on July 18 to complete the formation. The event took place at San Marcus Sky Dive in Texas. "We are donating our time to send a powerful message to the world, and especially to people fighting cancer. People with cancer can and do get past this dreaded disease and go on with their lives," said Tony Albano, the event's coordinator. Albano, who was diagnosed with large cell lymphoma in 1979, summarized the team's goals: "If I had seen twenty-four cancer survivors in free-fall when I was undergoing chemotherapy, it would have lightened my load and given me hope. We want everyone battling this disease to know that there is life after cancer." Each of the jumpers wore an armband with the names of friends or relatives that have survived or lost their battles with the disease. In all, 64 names accompanied jumpers. The group has enlisted the support of such corporate sponsors as AstraZeneca, one of the world's leading pharmaceutical companies involved in cancer research. Skydive San Marcos is located in Fentress, TX on hwy 80, 12.8 miles Southeast of San Marcos. Located at Fentress Airpark, a private airport on 115 acres, the facilities are arranged to allow skydivers to be in view during aircraft departure and parachute landing. The event will be videographed from the air and the ground and the jumpers will be available for interviews. MAKE YOUR OPINION COUNT - Click Here http://tbutton.prnewswire.com/prn/11690X78487985 SOURCE AstraZeneca CO: AstraZeneca ST: Texas SU: http://www.prnewswire.com 07/19/2002 13:15 EDT Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
