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REVOLUTIONIZING THE TREATMENT OF TRAUMATIC INJURIES WITH REGENERATIVE MEDICINE

11/29/2016

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UVA Today recently caught up with several UVA innovators, including Dr. George Christ, a 2016 4TW5K Grant Recipient.

What if modern medicine could make it possible for people to regrow limbs? That’s just what Dr. George Christ’s tissue engineering lab at the University of Virginia is seeking to do.

From people who are hurt in car accidents to wounded warriors who have sustained disfiguring and disabling injuries on the battlefield, Christ said the research that his team of undergraduate and graduate students, post-doctoral fellows and research staff is conducting could benefit people who have suffered various levels of trauma.
“We don’t want to give false hope or pretend like we have a solution right now,” Christ said. “But if we can solve military-related injuries caused by things like battlefield explosions, then we can apply those same principles to the civilian population.”
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One promising regenerative medicine technology involves creating tissue by prompting stem cells to grow a layer of muscle progenitor cells on a scaffold. The scaffold is then stretched in a bioreactor to mimic muscle movement and is implanted in the subject’s body at a site where a significant amount of muscle has been lost.
“It’s a muscle-repair construct that creates a beneficial regenerative environment that hopefully results in new muscle formation and improved function,” Christ said.
"There’s no metric or recipe for growing a limb, but you shouldn’t give up on the hard stuff because of tight timelines.”
This specific technology is currently being tested on rats, but Christ said a human clinical trial treating patients with cleft lip (a birth defect that results from a lack of tissue in the mouth) is also being planned.

“Can we make enough muscle to reconstitute an arm? Not right now,” Christ said. “But we should move forward with the things we can treat and then scale up. It’s an incremental process.”

According to Christ, interdisciplinary collaboration is essential to the possible success and longevity of his research. 

“This is not a problem we can solve on our own. It requires a depth of understanding and a breadth of expertise that goes beyond anybody’s lifetime or resources,” Christ said. “We’re trying to leverage all the talent here at UVA and work with like-minded people around the country and the world to see what we can do to move things forward.”

Christ admits that this endeavor, if successful, could take years, even decades, before patients actually benefit from it. But that possibility of success is enough motivation for him and his team to keep working.

“There’s no metric or recipe for growing a limb, but you shouldn’t give up on the hard stuff because of tight timelines. You have to think long-term and about the big picture,” he said. “Take these soldiers who are 25 years old and have been injured in the line of duty. If there’s a possibility that this research could enable them to walk again when they’re 60, that’s still a pretty big deal.”

Get the full Illimitable story here.
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2016 Instagram favorites

6/5/2016

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A few race day favorites found on Instagram. Tag yours with #4TW5K!

Great start to the day with a #5K #4TDW5K #woundedwarriors #happysaturday #running

A photo posted by Jasmin♡ (@jcita13) on Jun 4, 2016 at 6:58am PDT

#Merica #4thewounded5k #thempantiestho #that1ply #justrunthings #runningshit

A photo posted by Isaac Freeman (@echo_310) on Jun 4, 2016 at 5:57am PDT

We had a great time at the #4thewounded5k #4thewounded5kcville Congratulations to our 9Round team and all runners! You guys rock! See you at the gym! #cville #charlottesville #pantops #kickbox #sweattherapy #functionalfitness #fitlife #functionaltraining #circuittraining #fitnation #fit #youcandothis #funworkout #highintensity #trainer #lifechange

A photo posted by 9Round Fitness Gym Cville (@9roundcville) on Jun 4, 2016 at 10:18am PDT

First 5k of the summer!□□□□#momlife #myrayofhopefortheday #fitfamily #4thewounded5k

A photo posted by Rachel (@rachel_c_lee) on Jun 4, 2016 at 4:46am PDT

#4tw5k

A photo posted by April Hickory (@inbluedesign) on Jun 4, 2016 at 8:09am PDT

A photo posted by Leah Connor (@leahcville) on Jun 4, 2016 at 4:30am PDT

#4tw5k

A video posted by Jessica Webster Scopelliti (@bigscopellitifamily8) on Jun 4, 2016 at 5:03am PDT

The most exciting booth at the race today! #4tw5k #funworkout #charlottesville #cville

A video posted by 9Round Fitness Gym Cville (@9roundcville) on Jun 4, 2016 at 11:39am PDT

Wounded Warrior 5k was a success !!

A photo posted by Maggie McGrath (@maggiemcg14) on Jun 4, 2016 at 7:21am PDT

Ready for the 5k

A photo posted by Kathryn Cherry (@kcherry20) on Jun 4, 2016 at 9:12am PDT

BIG FINISH! #usa

A photo posted by Blue Ridge Graphics (@brgtshirts) on Jun 4, 2016 at 6:09am PDT

Team acac representing at #4thewounded5k this morning! Proud to honor our nation's heroes! #acaccville #raceready #redwhiteblue #goteam #teamacac #4tw5k

A photo posted by ACAC Fitness and Wellness (@acacfitness) on Jun 4, 2016 at 6:11am PDT

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2016 Beneficiaries Announced!

5/2/2016

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Over the past five years, the 4 the Wounded 5k, hosted by the UVA Foundation, has raised over $515,000 and become one of the largest footraces in the region. From 2011 - 2014, the sole beneficiary was Wounded Warrior Project, an organization that helps injured military personnel return from duty to lead productive and healthy civilian lives. For those who are severely wounded, this is very challenging and their needs are significant. In 2015, based on feedback received from the community, the 4TW5K Planning Committee donated a portion of the funds raised to a number of non-profits also supporting wounded veterans and/or military personnel living in the Charlottesville area. After meeting specific financial, oversight, and programmatic requirements, three organizations were chosen by the Grants Sub-Committee: Project Healing Waters-Fly Fishing, Living Free - Chestnut Grove Baptist Church, and Green Dogs Unleashed. 

This year, the race will expand its local reach by supporting six additional organizations and allowing sponsors, donors, and registrants to designate their funds to either Wounded Warrior Project OR non-profits supporting the local military community.

​We are pleased to announce the following 2016 4TW5K Grant Recipients :
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Wintergreen Adaptive Sports

Now in its 12th year, Wintergreen Adaptive Sports' Wounded Warrior Program provides instruction in skiing, snowboarding, canoeing, and kayaking for all active duty and veteran service members with combat injuries or disabilities. Learn more at wintergreenadaptivesports.org/wounded-warrior

Operation First Response

Since 2004 OFR has served over 13,000 of our nation's Wounded Heroes/Disabled Veterans and their families with personal and financial needs. Services are provided from the onset of injuries or illness, throughout their recovery period and along their journey from military life to the civilian world. Financial aid varies as each case is based on individual needs ranging from rent, utilities, vehicle payments, groceries, clothing, and travel expenses. Learn more at operationfirstresponse.org

Living Free

Sponsored by Chestnut Grove Baptist Church and the American Legion Post #74, Living Free’s Fearless and FOCUS support programs are designed to guide military families and couples as they rediscover their purpose and envision a future for themselves. Learn more at livingfree2gether.org
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Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing

Founded in 2005, PHWFF is dedicated to the physical and psychological rehabilitation of injured active-duty military personnel and veterans with disabilities through the therapeutic and rehabilitative benefits of fly fishing, patience and relationship-building. Learn more at projecthealingwaters.org

Wildrock

A new nature center in Crozet, Wildrock retreats will build on the restorative benefits of social support, free play, physical activity, and nature connection. Serving families experiencing challenging events such as deployments, losses, or illness, the On Solid Ground program will seek to provide a joyful respite from stress, a chance to bond with family members, and an opportunity to access helpful information and resources. Learn more at wildrock.org

Dr. George Christ - UVA Health System

Advances in medical technologies since World War II mean that more and more soldiers are surviving extraordinary injuries sustained on the battlefield. However, many of these injuries caused by explosive devices – such as lost limbs and severe burns – are disfiguring and debilitating. Dr. George Christ is leading UVA's efforts to develop therapies that will regenerate muscle tissue and restore these patients to a normal life. Known internationally for his work in tissue engineering, regenerative medicine, and muscle physiology, Dr. Christ is part of the Armed Forces Institute of Regenerative Medicine (AFIRM), a consortium of public and private institutions partnering with the federal government to help soldiers wounded in combat, and a professor of biomedical engineering and orthopaedic surgery at the University of Virginia. Watch Dr. Christ's 2015 TEDxUVA presentation on his regenerative medicine research. 
In additional to the organizations listed above, sponsors and race participants may also choose to support warriors nationally via Wounded Warrior Project, a nonprofit organization whose mission is to honor and empower Wounded Warriors. WWP seeks to assist those men and women of our armed forces who have been severely injured during the conflicts in Iraq, Afghanistan, and other locations around the world. Learn more about their programs and services at woundedwarriorproject.org

​The 6th annual race will take place on Saturday, June 4 at the UVA Research Park. Participants may register online through May 31. Race day events include an all‐terrain (on/off road) 5K, kids fun run, and a post‐race expo with food, beverages, music, and an awards presentation for the top finishers.
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On Your Mark. Get Set. Go!

2/26/2016

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EARLY-BIRD REGISTRATION IS OPEN!
Thanks to your support, the 4 the Wounded 5k has has grown to become one of the top 5 largest foot races in the region, and raised over $500,000 for wounded warriors, veterans, and their families. This year 's race will take place on Saturday, June 4 at the UVA Research Park where we hope to raise an additional $100,000! Race participants and sponsors can now choose to donate their funds to either Wounded Warrior Project or nonprofits serving local warriors! A full list of this year's race beneficiaries will be announced in April. Applications are currently being accepted for grants up to $25,000 until March 1, 2016! Learn more and apply at 4thewounded5k.com/grants.
register now!
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2016 fundraising off to Great Start!

1/25/2016

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Fundraising for the 6th Annual 4 the Wounded 5k kicked off with a HUGE donation from our returning lead sponsor, ACAC Fitness and Wellness Centers. 

Members of the ACAC team presented a check for $35,370 to the UVA Foundation on December 17, the result of their November 30 Days for $30 campaign! ACAC has generously supported the 4 the Wounded 5k since its inception in 2011. Over the past six years, the wellness center has contributed over $85,000 to the event, as well as numerous volunteers, particularly at the Kids Fun Run.

Additional early contributors include 9 Round, West Point Society of Monticello, Buckingham County JROTC, and private donors. Through these generous contributions, the race has already raised 40% of its $100,000 fundraising goal! 

The 6th Annual 4 the Wounded 5k, hosted by the University of Virginia Foundation, will be held on Saturday, June 4, 2016. Over the past five years, the 5k has raised over $515,000 for Wounded Warrior Project and organizations serving local warriors and their families, and become one of the five largest footraces in the area. Registration will open in February, but sponsors can pledge to support the race now at 4thewounded5k.com/become-a-sponsor

During the 2016 race, grants will once again be awarded to locally-focused non-profits serving veterans and military personnel living in our area. Grant applications are currently being accepted through March 1, 2016 at 4thewounded5k.com/grants.   

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we did it: over $500,000 in 5 years!

8/10/2015

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On Friday, August 7 the UVA Foundation presented a check for $89,650 to Wounded Warrior Project, part of the final fundraising tally from the 5th annual event held at the University of Virginia Research Park on June 6. The race raised a total of $114,650 this year, $25,000 of which was granted to three non-profits serving local warriors. 
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Katie Murphy and Deborah van Eersel present a check to Topher Murphy, a local Wounded Warrior Project alum. The trio is also joined by UVA student intern Kate Landers, and this year's grant recipients, Jon Page of Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing, Tonya King of Living Free, and Kevin Proctor and Riddle of Green Dogs Unleashed.
The University of Virginia Foundation began the 4 the Wounded 5k in 2011 as a community event to raise money for WWP. In the past five year's the event has raised over $515,000 and become one of the largest footraces in the area. Over 1,500 runners, walkers and spectators participated in the on and off-road event on June 6. Family members and many community supporters including the Hollymead Fire Department, ACAC Fitness and Wellness Centers, and Walmart, just to name a few, were there to set the stage and cheer the racers on.

In celebration of the 5th annual race, this year's proceeds benefited Wounded Warrior Project and three non-profits serving local veterans and their families: Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing, Green Dogs Unleashed, and Living Free - Chestnut Grove.

"WWP is a national organization and aids wounded warriors all over the country. But we'd recently heard from members of the community that they'd like to see some of the funds raised remain in the community and help warriors in central Virginia," explained Katie Murphy, Marketing Specialist at the UVA Foundation. "We listened and issued three grants this year to non-profits serving local veterans and their families." 

The 6th annual race is scheduled for June 4, 2016 at the UVA Research Park. Organizers once again plan to offer grants to organizations serving local warriors. The application process will open in the fall of 2015 at 4thewounded5k.com.

The University of Virginia Foundation develops research parks as part of its mission to support the University. The University of Virginia Research Park provides an important venue for University/industry collaborations to occur and for students to experience business internships. The Park also supports regional economic development. For more information on the UVA Foundation and its Research Parks, visit uvafoundation.com/research-parks or uvaresearchpark.com

The mission of WWP is to honor and empower wounded warriors. WWP’s purpose is to raise awareness and to enlist the public’s aid for the needs of injured service members, to help injured servicemen and women aid and assist each other, and to provide unique, direct programs and services to meet their needs. WWP is a national, nonpartisan organization headquartered in Jacksonville, Florida. To get involved and learn more, visit woundedwarriorproject.org.
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5th Annual race aims to support local warriors

3/6/2015

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Thanks to your strong support, we are fast approaching our 5th Annual 4 the Wounded 5k race, which will be held on Saturday, June 6, 2015, at the UVA Research Park. Much to our own surprise, this race has quickly become one of the largest and most popular foot races in the region, with over 1,500 participants in 2014.

Over the past four years, we have successfully raised $380,600 to benefit the Wounded Warrior Project, an organization that helps injured military personnel and their families as they return home from the current conflicts. For those who are severely wounded, this is very challenging and their needs are significant. This year, we have set a fundraising goal of $110,000 – that would equal half a million dollars for wounded warriors in just 5 years!

A new Twist...

We have heard from many of our supporters that we should consider donating a portion of the funds raised to a number of local/regional non-profits also supporting wounded warriors and/or military veterans living in our area. Our volunteer planning committee thought that was a great idea, particularly on the 5th anniversary of running the race. To this end, and with the help of our friends at the United Way Thomas Jefferson Area, we have developed a process through which non-profit organizations can solicit funds from the proceeds of our upcoming race. We anticipate that up to four (4) such groups will be awarded grants of up to $10,000 to help provide services to local wounded warriors and/or military veterans.

We are soliciting Letters of Intent from interested organizations through March 13. We hope you agree that this is a worthy approach and that we will continue to have your strong support as we attempt to help military veterans locally and regionally as well as nationally. If you know of organizations that may be interested in submitting a grant request, please refer them to our application page at 4thewounded5k.com/grants where they will find all the necessary information to do so.

Once again, we thank you for your amazing support over the past several years. We are making a huge difference in the lives of both wounded warriors and their families.
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4 the Wounded 5k raises over $116,000 for wounded warrior project

7/31/2014

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The UVA Foundation and members of the 4 the Wounded 5k planning committee presented a check for $116,180 to Wounded Warrior Project (WWP) today, the final fundraising tally from the 4th annual event held at the University of Virginia Research Park on June 7.
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UVA FOUNDATION EMPLOYEES TIM ROSE, KATIE MURPHY, AND DEBORAH VAN EERSEL PRESENTED A CHECK TO WOUNDED WARRIOR PROJECT FOR $116,180 - THE FINAL FUNDRAISING TALLY FROM THE 4TH ANNUAL 4 THE WOUNDED 5K.
Over 47,000 servicemen and women have been injured in the recent military conflicts. In addition to the physical wounds, it is estimated as many as 400,000 service members live with the invisible wounds of war including combat-related stress, major depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder. Another 320,000 are believed to have experienced a traumatic brain injury while on deployment. WWP’s 18 programs and services are uniquely structured to nurture the mind and body, and encourage economic empowerment and engagement.

The University of Virginia Foundation began the 4 the Wounded 5k in 2011 as a community event to raise money for WWP. In the past four year's the event has raised over $390,000 and become one of the largest footraces in the area. The University of Virginia Foundation covers all administrative costs associated with the race so that 100% of the money collected goes directly to WWP. Over 1,400 runners, walkers and spectators participated in the on and off-road event on June 7. Family members and many community supporters including the Hollymead Fire Department and sponsoring companies, including ACAC Fitness and Wellness Centers and Walmart, were there to set the stage and cheer the racers on.

The 5th annual event is scheduled for Saturday, June 6, 2015 and race organizers are hoping to raise an additional $110,000. 

"If over the course of five years our community could donate half a million dollars to Wounded Warrior Project - that would be astounding," commented Katie Murphy, Marketing Specialist at the UVA Foundation.

The University of Virginia Foundation develops research parks as part of its mission to support the University. The University of Virginia Research Park provides an important venue for University/industry collaborations to occur and for students to experience business internships. The Park also supports regional economic development. For more information on the UVA Foundation and its Research Parks, visit uvafoundation.com/research-parks or uvaresearchpark.com

The mission of WWP is to honor and empower wounded warriors. WWP’s purpose is to raise awareness and to enlist the public’s aid for the needs of injured service members, to help injured servicemen and women aid and assist each other, and to provide unique, direct programs and services to meet their needs. WWP is a national, nonpartisan organization headquartered in Jacksonville, Florida. To get involved and learn more, visit woundedwarriorproject.org.


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2014 Instagram Photos!

6/7/2014

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Some race day favorites found on Instagram! Tag yours with #4TW5K!
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4 the Wounded 5k this weekend!

6/3/2014

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(Charlottesville, VA)  The University of Virginia Foundation, with the support of the Charlottesville Track Club, will host its 4th Annual 4 The Wounded 5K (4TW5K) race in the University of Virginia Research Park on Saturday, June 7, 2014, benefiting the Wounded Warrior Project.  

Sal Gonzalez, a veteran of the Iraq war, will be on-hand to address race participants.  Sal was injured by an IED resulting in the loss of his left leg.  He is part of Warrior Speak, a spokesperson program that helps the Wounded Warrior Project promote the needs of injured military personnel (both physically and emotionally) returning from Iraq and Afghanistan.
According to the Charlottesville Track Club, the 4TW5K has quickly gained notoriety and is now the 4th largest road race in the region. 
The Wounded Warrior Project (WWP) provides programs and services to tens of thousands of service men and women who have been injured in the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, many suffering traumatic brain injuries, amputations, and severe burns, which retire them from service. These programs and services include benefits like counseling, family assistance, internships and much more, to ease their burdens and aid in the transition back to a successful civilian life.  For more information on the WWP:  www.woundedwarriorproject.org. 

The race is open to the entire community and will begin promptly at 8AM.  Runners, walkers and guests must be in the Park by 7:30AM after which the roads into the Park will be closed.

According to the Charlottesville Track Club, the 4TW5K has quickly gained notoriety and is now the 4th largest road race in the region.  Over 1,300 runners have already registered for the race and organizers are expecting that number to swell to nearly 1,600.  Though online race registration is now closed, runners/walkers can still register in person at “packet pick-up” which will be held in the lobby of the Town Center Three building at the UVA Research Park (995 Research Park Drive, 2nd Floor) from 3-7PM on Thursday, 6/5 and 9AM-6PM on Friday, 6/6.  

Race day events include an all-terrain (on/off road) 5K, kids fun run and a post-race Expo at Dabney Grove Pavilion, at the finish line.  The expo will include food and beverages, music, and an awards presentation for the top finishers. 

“Through the generosity of many sponsors, fundraising efforts have been amazingly successful.  Our fundraising goal this year is $115,000 and we are very close with a total raised so far of $108,000!  Combined with the funds raised in previous years, we have now raised nearly $400,000 – all going to the Wounded Warrior Project; pretty remarkable for a newly established event,” notes Deborah van Eersel, Chief Administrative Officer for the UVA Foundation.

The Lead Sponsor for the past four years is ACAC Wellness & Fitness Centers who organize the Kids’ Race which is held immediately after the main race.   Walmart, also a sponsor for four years, provides all water and food, and encourages employees to volunteer and agrees to reward their time with a corporate donation to the Wounded Warrior Project.  And once again, Monticello Media and Charlottesville Newsplex are official media sponsors and will broadcast live from the Research Park on race day!

“This race, the beneficiary, and the unwavering support we receive from sponsors and volunteers alike continue to surpass our wildest expectations,” says van Eersel.  “With soldiers from NGIC parking cars, a color guard, the national anthem performed by the Burley Bearettes – Burley Middle School’s concert choir, fire trucks and flags, music before, during and after the race, and over 1,300 racers, this morning promises an all-around great vibe!   It will be a lively and patriotic morning and we invite you all to join us!”

Over twenty representatives of firms located in the UVA Research Park and in the north 29 community serve on the 5K Organizing Committee (a listing can be found at www.4theWounded5K.com).  “Without their dedication and commitment to this race and cause, this event would not be possible,” according to van Eersel.

The University of Virginia Foundation develops research parks as part of its mission to support the University. The University of Virginia Research Park provides a venue for academic research to work with commercial technology, and supports a variety of businesses, from research and development to light manufacturing and knowledge-based commerce, as well as developing connections between UVA and private enterprise.  For more information on the UVA Foundation and its Research Parks, visit http://www.uvafoundation.com/research-parks/.

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