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May 24th, 2004
Octapharma raises money for WFH
Sunday 16th May: Following a night of torrential rain and howling gales the sun rose shyly over a sleepy Vienna, signalling the promise of a great day ahead. For >20,000 athletes from all corners of the globe, the day held more than just the prospect of promise. For this was the day of the 2004 Vienna City marathon. A day for which they had trained, a day in which they could realise their potential, fulfill individual ambitions or achieve personal bests.
Amongst the runners was a fit and spirited group from Octapharma. Employees from Austria, France, Germany, Portugal, Sweden and the USA came together with the common aim of raising money for the World Federation of Hemophilia (WFH). Octapharma´s participation came about as a result of an original idea from Corporate Services Director, Judi Miller coupled with coercion and coordination by Barbara Rangetiner, International Head of Regulatory Affairs.
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| Octapharma's international fundraisers |
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"Octapharma encourages the philosophy of always going one step further in our day to day business so we thought why not extend this challenge in both a literal and figurative sense to the marathon?" commented Judi Miller
For many people, completing the gruelling 42.195 km marathon distance proves to be a life changing experience. The accomplishment frequently inspires a new "can do" attitude, which in many ways, mirrors the way people with haemophilia approach life.
Stories of the amazing courage of people with haemophilia and the knowledge that so many lack even basic access to treatment inspired each of the Octapharma runners and helped them over the infamous "wall".
Exhaustion and pain evaporated knowing that they were running for such a good cause. Every one of the Octapharma team completed the race, many achieving lifetime best times.
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Running for WFH |
To enable the fundraising, Octapharma teamed up with the WFH who created a secure on-line facility for those wishing to offer a donation or sponsor a runner . For every dollar pledged Octapharma has promised to match it with a corporate donation (up to a maximum of US$ 6,000).
Getting people moving
"By getting Octapharma moving we hope to be able to help those that can´t." |
Although the run is over, the web page will remain open and continue to accept donations until September this year. If you would like to contribute to this fund raising effort please click here
(Please note that clicking on this link will take you outside of the Octapharma web site)
© Octapharma AG, 2004 |
