Sept. 8, 2010

BERKELEY -

The California Golden Bear women's basketball team, with the help and support of their fans, raised $16,075 last season through their We Assist, You Assist program and other promotions. The season-long fundraising efforts of the team were highlighted by the We Assist, You Assist program where fans will be able to make contributions based on the number of assists the team tallies during the season. 

The team chose to make the UCSF Foundation and their research efforts on ARVD the beneficiary on behalf of Golden Bear Tierra Rogers. Rogers was diagnosed with Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Dysplasia (ARVD) in September of last year. ARVD is a genetic disease in which the muscle tissue in the lower-right chamber of the heart (right ventricle) degenerates and is replaced by fat. As a result, patients can develop dangerous abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmias) or even go into cardiac arrest, particularly when under physical or emotional stress. Studies have shown that ARVD is a significant cause of sudden death among young athletes. Heart Rhythm Disorders are the cause of nearly 500,000 deaths a year in the United States. There is still so much to learn about these disorders. UCSF has implemented a program called Comprehensive Genetic Arrhythmia Program (CGAP). According to UCSF, "the mission of this program is to study and treat inherited Heart Rhythm Disorders. Through its research, CGAP aims to provide a leadership role in the process of understanding existing genetic causes of cardiac arrhythmias, identifying new candidate genes and applying this knowledge to improving patient care".

Rogers presented the check to the UCSF Foundation on behalf of the team. Accepting the check for UCSF  cardiologist Dr. Melvin Scheinman, one of the leading authorities on ARVD and one of Roger's physicians.

"I feel very blessed and truly appreciate all that (Dr. Scheinman and the UCSF staff) have done," Rogers said when presenting the check.

Rogers has remained on Cal's roster since receiving the diagnosis. She attends practices and sits on the bench during games, providing insight and inspiration for her teammates. Off the court, Rogers has become an advocate for heart health.

 

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