Are you competing in this year’s Benaroya Research Institute Seafair Triathlon? If so, you may know something about autoimmune disease – and what we’re doing to fight it. Whether you’re a seasoned athlete, first-timer, or anywhere in between, we’re thrilled you’ve decided to put your body to the test for a great cause: raising money and awareness to find a cure for the more than 80 autoimmune diseases.

This event is really something special – and not just because it’s Seattle’s only triathlon involving both adults and children. It’s an opportunity for people from around the city to come out and support the entire community impacted by autoimmune disease.

If you know or love someone with an autoimmune disease, like type 1 diabetes, multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis or Crohn’s disease, we know this day means something extra special to you. And if you’re doing this to support that person, get ready – because there’s something else that you can do.

On July 21 at Seward Park, look for the BRI tent where we’re going to be recruiting individuals to join our biorepositories – the most powerful tool we have to drive our medical research forward. And you can be a part of it.

What is a biorepository, you ask? Put simply, a biorepository is a database of demographic information and a collection of human blood and tissue samples that help our scientists conduct research on all kinds of diseases. Our biorepositories have contributed to significant breakthroughs across the board: from improving diagnosis and treatment for rheumatoid arthritis, to reversing some of the damage caused by multiple sclerosis.

The best part is, we’re looking for volunteers, from ages 1 to 100, with and without autoimmune diseases. That’s where you come in.

Whether or not you have a disease, you’re exactly who we’re looking for. Your biological contribution to a biorepository is one of the simplest and most effective donations you can make. Just think what it might mean for all those living with an autoimmune disease. 

Attending the Seafair Triathlon? Our team will be there helping you sign up to become a registered biorepository donor. After the event, we’ll contact you to schedule a donation appointment at one of our facilities. The appointment is a brief 45-minute consultation, where you will provide some information about yourself and a blood sample or cheek swab.  

So if you’re swimming, biking, and running the BRI Seafair Triathlon, consider signing up for a biorepository donation and making an even greater impact in the fight against autoimmune disease. With your help, we’ll make new discoveries faster that will push us even closer to a cure.