About BTE: Where the Money Goes and History
Where the Money Goes
The mission of the Arizona Cancer Center is to prevent and cure cancer. Better Than Ever encompasses that mission by working to prevent cancer through exercise as well as providing vital funds to be used for cancer research.
The Arizona Cancer Center is a National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer center. The comprehensive cancer center designation requires the Arizona Cancer Center to maintain four key elements: cancer prevention, control and population sciences; education and outreach; basic laboratory research; and patient-oriented clinical research.
All of the funds raised by participants go directly to research at the Arizona Cancer Center. This is possible because the Better Than Ever program expenses are paid for by generous sponsors in the Tucson community.
The funds are distributed yearly in the form of women’s cancer research grants. Women’s cancers include those of the breast and the female reproductive system. Research advancements made in the field of women’s cancers often translate into the development of treatments for other cancers as well.
Each year, the BTE Scientific Review Committee chooses recipients for pilot grants or faculty career development, and is a part of Women's Cancers at the Arizona Cancer Center. Led by Setsuko K. Chambers, MD, this group brings together clinical and research faculty from many departments who focus on breast and gynecologic cancers under one umbrella.
The $100,000 distributed in 2008 brings the 8-year grant distribution total to more than $1.3 million.
Studies funded by Better Than Ever include:
History of Better Than Ever
When Heather Alberts was 40 years old, her husband, Dave, told her, “Your body is falling apart and you need to reactivate the physical part of your life.” Heather was none too pleased as Dave brought sneakers from her closet, tied them on her feet, and led her by the hand out their front door.
Her annoyance quickly turned to surprise as she realized just how out of shape she was. She had never smoked, was always a healthy eater and had been very active in her youth. But 20 years of inactivity had taken its toll. She could not even run to the end of their ¼-mile driveway. However, this disappointing jog motivated Heather to reclaim her fitness, and it wasn’t long before the many rewards of being active and the beauty of the outdoors made her daily jogs a special part of her life.
In 1999, at the age of 59, Heather “gently jogged” her first half marathon and found it exhilarating! She felt that if she could accomplish this, then anyone could. In August of 2000, eager to share her love of exercise and to get her husbands colleagues at the Arizona Cancer Center walking the talk of cancer prevention, Heather proposed a half marathon training program which would also raise funds for research. The Arizona Cancer Center’s event coordinator was assigned to this pilot program and, with only 3 weeks until training was to begin, she and Heather put together the nuts and bolts of the first Better Than Ever program and recruited 45 team members, most of whom considered themselves non-athletes. Three months later, these women and men crossed the finish line of the Tucson Half Marathon, having gained better health and greater self confidence along the way.
Better Than Ever experienced extraordinary growth in 2001 with 500 members joining, many of whom walked or ran in memory of Bobbi Olson, the beloved wife of UA basketball coach, Lute. Just months earlier, Bobbi had lost her battle with ovarian cancer. Participating in Better Than Ever was a way for Tucsonans to pay tribute to this beloved member of the community, as well as to practice cancer prevention on a personal level.
Nine years after it all began, over 2,600 people have taken part in the Better Than Ever program and, in addition to the half marathon training, it has grown to include a 10K run or walk, and a cycling training program. Heather continues to be dedicated to BTE because of the difference it has made in the lives of the participants. She is greatly satisfied that participants experience empowerment and health from their increased fitness, and the fulfillment of helping to save lives.
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Contact Marisa Allen at:
Phone: (520) 626.5752 or (520) 626.7177
Fax:(520) 626.8606
Email: mallen@azcc.arizona.edu
