Still Time to Register for Break the Silence of Ovarian Cancer 5K Run/Walk at Rangers Ballpark
Ovarian cancer survivors, their families and those who have lost loved ones to the disease will be among the 2,500 people expected to participate in the 13th Annual Run/Walk to Break the Silence on Ovarian Cancer® on Sept. 21 at Rangers Ballpark in Arlington. The event begins at 9 a.m.
The 5K event, celebrated in 15 cities during September, is the largest awareness event of the year for the National Ovarian Cancer Coalition, or NOCC. September is Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month.
More than 22,000 women in the United States will be diagnosed with ovarian cancer this year, and 15,000 women die annually from the disease. Since it formed in 1995, NOCC has been dedicated to raising awareness of ovarian cancer in communities across the U.S. and to providing education, support and hope for women with ovarian cancer and their families.
"The symptoms of ovarian cancer are commonly mistaken for other medical conditions, and the result is that ovarian cancer is diagnosed in the later stages, when prognosis is poor," said Rev. Susan Gary, Manager of the Dallas-Fort Worth Chapter of NOCC. "We come together for this event to try to change those circumstances by building awareness and shedding light on the knowledge we have. It also provides an opportunity for women who are fighting this disease to see how many people are standing with them."
To sign up as a participant or volunteer, please visit www.ovarian5k.org.
The run/walk is a family event for all ages and fitness levels. In addition to the race, the event will feature a memorial wall and memorial balloon release as well as a lively children's area with a clown, balloon artist and face painting. Families can also participate in a shorter fun run prior to the actual 5k race. The children's area is sponsored by Medical City Hospital Dallas, a presenting sponsor for the race. Medical Center of Arlington is also a presenting sponsor.
Keller-based country music artist Derek Anthony and the D-Train Band will perform at the race. This disease has affected Anthony's own family, and since then, he's made supporting ovarian cancer awareness a feature of many of his performances and social media efforts.
The run/walk will also feature a survivors' tent, refreshments from local restaurants, and vendors as well as an appearance from Mrs. Texas, Michelle Berndt.
Last year's race drew 2,000 participants and raised more than $200,000. These funds assist families in a variety of ways, including community education and awareness events, providing materials and support for newly diagnosed women and their families, and educational lectures for survivors throughout the year.
For additional information about the Dallas-Fort Worth run/walk on Sept. 21, contact the local NOCC chapter at [email protected] or 214-273-4208.
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