RAMSTAD PRAISES MINNESOTA CYCLIST FOR CROSS-COUNTRY RIDE

TO PROMOTE CANCER RESEARCH

WASHINGTON – U.S. Rep. Jim Ramstad (MN-03) today praised Edina resident Jim Owens for his nationwide bike ride with six-time Tour de France winner Lance Armstrong to inform the public about the importance of cancer clinical trials.

 The “Tour of Hope” team departed from Los Angeles on October 1, and Owens is slated to finish the 3,500 mile bike ride from Los Angeles to Washington on Saturday.

 “As a long time advocate of cancer research to find a cure for this devastating disease, I am very proud to support Jim’s effort and deeply grateful for his inspiring cross-country ride to call attention to this critical issue,” said Ramstad, who met with Owens’ family in Washington.

 “Cancer affects millions of Americans each year and will continue to do so until we find a cure,” said Ramstad.  “Clinical trials are essential in the ongoing effort to finding a cure, and I applaud Jim and the “Tour of Hope” team for raising awareness of this life and death cause.”

 Owens is a six-year brain cancer survivor who successfully tried a cutting-edge oral chemotherapy when his tumor came back a second time. Throughout the treatment, he continued to work, ride and compete.  Jim’s experience impressed upon him the need for new cancer treatments through clinical trials that may benefit him and his son in the future.  As a teenager, Jim helped his sister through successful cancer treatment, and he recently supported his father as he battled prostate cancer.

 “I deeply admire Jim for championing this important cause in such a visible way,” said Ramstad.  “His efforts will serve as an inspiration to every advocate, researcher and patient involved in cancer research.”

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