Story Topic: Philanthropy

Mirati believes that supporting our local community is as important as the research we do. We have channeled that belief into an extensive history of supporting community-based organizations, with continued focus on our mission to discover, design and deliver breakthrough therapies to transform the lives of patients with cancer and their loved ones. We wouldn’t be able to do what we do without the perseverance and commitment of our employees who strive to achieve our mission and positively impact the communities around them.

Padres Pedal’s annual event was held on April 9, 2022, at Petco Park. It was the first in-person event in over two years due to the pandemic. Participation could come in various ways such as in-person cycling, a 5K walk/run, spin or virtual participation.

Mirati pledged a fundraising goal of $25,000, and our employees exceeded expectations in their commitment to fight against cancer by raising over $37,500 for the event. Team Mirati got creative with their fundraising efforts and held companywide events which included a comedy night, toffee sales and an internally organized Peloton ride to raise awareness for cancer research. Forty-two employees registered to participate in this year’s event with many additional employees showing support to individual participants or by donating to Team Mirati.

“I am proud of Team Mirati’s efforts at this year’s Padres Pedal the Cause to help support funding cancer research,” said James Christensen, PhD., chief scientific officer, Mirati Therapeutics, Inc. “We are unified by our passion for helping patients and are inspired by a single vision – to unlock the science behind the promise of a life beyond cancer. Our belief is that transforming the lives of those with cancer is more than a job – it’s the chance to be part of something game-changing.”

Mirati was also the corporate sponsor of the Padres Pedal the Cause 2022 Featured Fighters. This initiative highlighted videos from three members of our community who have inspired others with their courage, warmth and dedication to creating a world without cancer.

“I’m grateful for Mirati’s continued partnership in supporting Padres Pedal the Cause which brings together thousands of participants each year to raise money for life saving cancer research,” said Anne Marbarger, chief executive officer, Curebound. “A sincere thank you to Team Mirati for all you do to positively impact the lives of cancer patients, their families and our San Diego community, and for bringing so much team spirit while you do it!”

Mirati’s mission to discover, design and deliver breakthrough therapies to transform the lives of patients with cancer and their loved ones is well aligned with the Padres Pedal mission of a world without cancer.

For patients with cancer and their families, the Padres Pedal annual event creates connections and shared experiences for survivors, family members and supporters as they raise critical funding to accelerate the search for a cure for cancer.

Cancer research and treatment advances have led to improvements in patient outcomes over the last several years, but more progress is needed to increase long-term survival and improve quality of life.

Although the COVID-19 pandemic put a stop to many things, Mirati’s collective fight against cancer did not miss a beat. In 2021, Padres Pedal the Cause announced their annual event would be held virtually. Employees had the option to participate by joining a spin, yoga, or strength class offered by local fitness studios or by committing to the 100 percent challenge. Employees could also take part in an activity of their choice for 100 reps, 100 minutes or 100 miles, or any other challenge that was important to them. Mirati pledged 75 percent of its employees would participate with a total fundraising goal of $50,000.

Although virtual, the Mirati team found ways to collaborate and motivate one another to support the effort, including technological collaboration tools, weekly discussions to share engagement strategies and creative activities, including a silent auction. Most Mirati employees hiked, rode bikes, or swam to complete their 100 percent challenge.

“I am proud of Mirati’s efforts for this year’s Padres Pedal the Cause to support funding local cancer research,” Charles M. Baum, M.D., Ph.D., president and chief executive officer, Mirati Therapeutics, Inc. “As we work to bring life-changing medicines to patients with cancer, we are deeply committed to making a difference in the lives of patients and their families, our employees, and the communities with whom we collaborate and the neighborhoods where we live. Until each person with cancer has a therapy targeted to their disease, we will pursue our research with relentless focus for the next breakthrough.”

Mirati was the featured corporate sponsor in the Padres Pedal the Cause 2021 Honor Video, a video memorial composed of photos from cancer fighters, survivors and family members. Mirati was also named the largest corporate team of 2021 with 204 members, exceeding our employee participation goal, and raising over $74,000 for the event.

“On behalf of Padres Pedal, I am so thankful to Mirati for its outstanding partnership with our organization. One hundred percent of funds raised by Team Mirati and all other participants will go directly to fund life-saving cancer research in our community,” said Anne Marbarger, executive director, Padres Pedal. “Thank you, team Mirati, for honoring loved ones touched by cancer and fighting to improve outcomes for patients.”