Mississippi Oncologist to Cycle with Lance Armstrong for Cancer Research

Jackson, Miss. - October 13, 2003-- Oncologist Gerry Ann Houston, M.D. with Jackson Oncology Associates has been selected to ride the last 62 miles with Lance Armstrong during the Tour of Hope cycling challenge on October 18, 2003. The Tour of Hope, led by cancer survivor and Tour de France champion Armstrong, will begin in Los Angeles on October 11, 2003 and cover 3,200 miles ending in Washington D.C. on October 18, 2003. Sponsored by Bristol-Myers Squibb, the event's purpose is to raise funds, inspire and inform the public about the importance of participating in cancer research.

The 26 adult cyclists on the Tour of Hope Team were chosen from the cancer community to ride on the tour. Dr. Houston was one of nearly 1,000 who applied to ride and was of 50 chosen as finalists. She didn't make the final cut for the team but is excited to participate in part of the tour.

"I feel good just knowing I was in the final 50. It is quite an honor to be chosen to ride the last leg of the Tour of Hope with every biker's hero Lance Armstrong," Dr. Houston said. "Even though I'm an avid cyclist, the purpose of the event is what is the most appealing."

During the tour, the cyclists will gather "Cancer Promises" signed by Americans to show their support for cancer research. At the conclusion of the tour, the team will deliver the signed "Cancer Promises" to our nation's capitol. The signed Cancer Promises will help renew America's commitment to find a cure for cancer and demonstrate the hope we all have in cancer research.

Dr. Houston, who servers as the medical director for Baptist Cancer Services Breast Health Center, said this is a great opportunity to remind everyone of the need for participation in clinical trials.

"Lance Armstrong's triumph over cancer was due to the development of chemotherapy drugs in clinical trials, but his is not the only success story," she added. "I treat cancer patients every day with chemotherapy drugs that weren't available just a few years ago. Now many of these patients can expect to be cured of their cancer because patients before them participated in clinical trials."

Mississippians can show their support for cancer research and get involved today by signing the "Cancer Promise" at www.tourofhope.com or visit Baptist's website at www.mbhs.org and click on "Sign the Cancer Promise."

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