At 6:00am on Monday June 16 more than 300 research professionals, patients, and community members gathered in San Diego to honor clinical trial volunteers at the Inaugural Medical Heroes Appreciation 5K Run & Walk. With generous support from a number of organizations including EMD Serono, WIRB-Copernicus Group, Roche, Biogen Idec, Amicus Therapeutics, INC Research, ERT, PMG Research, and CenterWatch, the event exceeded its attendance and fundraising goals.
Recognizing and honoring study volunteers who give the gift of their participation in clinical research is a critical educational theme promoted by CISCRP. Since June 2014, Medical Heroes recognition programs have been picking up momentum. This spring, CISCRP will be organizing two 5K events – one at the ACRP Global Conference and Exhibition in Salt Lake City on April 25, and one at the DIA 2015 51st Annual Meeting in Washington DC on June 15 — with support from industry leaders including EMD Serono, ICON, INC Research, Amicus Therapeutics, CenterWatch, Artcraft Health, and Chiltern. Running and walking enthusiasts are invited to participate and attend the events.
“Our partnership with CISCRP is a wonderful opportunity to express our collective appreciation for clinical trial 
participants and their contributions to medical progress, and to increase awareness of clinical research. Our members look forward to participating in the 5K and recognizing Medical Heroes.” said Terri Hinkley, ACRP’s Interim Executive Director.
CISCRP plans to assist other smaller organizers in holding their own 5Ks later this year. CISCRP also held the first Medical Heroes Appreciation Dinner on March 15 to celebrate study volunteers and to raise awareness about the importance of clinical research in advancing public health. Research professionals attending the Patients as Partners conference gathered at the Yards Brewing Company in Philadelphia to share their appreciation and gratitude for clinical trial participants.
Proceeds from these Medical Heroes Appreciation events support education and outreach programs to patients and families interested in learning more about the clinical research process. The CISCRP team is very excited about the expansion of this key initiative and thankful for the wonderful sponsors who help make it a reality.
To register and learn more about the upcoming Medical Heroes Appreciation 5K’s please visit: www.ciscrp.org/medhero5K