Philadelphia— On World Meningitis Day, April 24, GSK will host the “Hour of Power Rowing & Cycling Challenge” to raise awareness of meningococcal disease among college students and athletes. The event will feature students and representatives from various Philadelphia-based colleges and universities.
Meningitis is a rare but serious disease, which on average causes 1 in 10 to die. Young adults aged 16-23 are at increased risk because they often live, work, and socialize in group settings with close contact, such as in college residence halls, the military, and more.
Jamie Schanbaum, a meningitis survivor, amputee, Paralympian cyclist and GSK spokesperson contracted meningitis while a student at the University of Texas. She will share her inspiring story of survival and triumph, along with an important message to young adults to know the signs and symptoms of meningitis, as well as how they can help prevent it.
The event will include opening remarks from Jamie and Dr. Leonard Friedland, Vice President, Scientific Affairs & Director of Public Health, GSK Vaccines, North America.
Visuals: Several hundred college/university athletes and GSK employees to attend, which will be held on the historic Boathouse Row. The event will feature teams of 5 people who will have the opportunity to split the hour amongst them to complete the challenge. The goal is to complete the entire hour without the machine stopping. There will be 12 machines (6 bikes and 6 ergs) set up in a circle to represent the 24 hours in which meningitis can take a toll on the body, along with large signage throughout the room highlighting compelling statistics on how meningitis can affect young people. All participants will wear orange t-shirts that say “I took the hour of power rowing/cycling challenge” and will leave with a sticker for people to ask them about the challenge.
Event Details Include:
Time: 12:00 – 2:30 p.m.
Location: Lloyd Hall
1 Boathouse Row
Philadelphia, PA 19130
Cost: Free Admission
To register for the event, visit http://www.evite.com/event/02A0T5DEVCNWUAEQMEPF6ECR3MQDNA
Media Contact
Antonio Stephens
antonio.x.stephens@gsk.com
215-490-6956