Join The University of Toledo for the 20th annual Northwest Ohio Race for the Cure event in Toledo in support of those affected by breast cancer.
The UT Medical Center, a major sponsor of the local Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure, has created a team called Rockets for the Cure for the upcoming 5K and one-mile Family Fun Walk Sunday, Sept. 29. Donations from the race go to global research as well as local screening, education and treatment.
“I race for the cure because, as a survivor, I want to make sure all women have access to mammograms, medical treatment for cancer care and support services,” said Kathleen Walsh, UT director of web development and a breast cancer survivor. “One of my favorite cancer support programs — the Victory Center — is just one of many local organizations that gets funding from Susan G. Komen.”
With help from Susan G. Komen grants, UTMC also offers support through the Eleanor N. Dana Cancer Center, which opened earlier this year. The University of Toledo recently received a $30,000 grant that covers breast cancer screenings and education for high-risk patients in the area.
In June, this grant allowed the center to offer free breast health screenings to women who were at least 40 years old, had not had a mammogram in at least two years, had a personal or family history of breast cancer, or were uninsured or under-insured. The center plans to offer these free screenings again Friday, Sept. 27, and reapply for more Komen grants in October.
“By coming out to the race, you’re promoting awareness and support for those who are affected by breast cancer,” said Jan Tipton, oncology clinical nurse specialist for the cancer center. “The more people there on race day, the more money for grants, and 75 percent of what is raised stays local. We’re happy to use some of the proceeds to help people get screened who normally wouldn’t.”
Race day will begin at 7 a.m. in downtown Toledo with day-of registration at Fifth Third Field. There will be a survivor parade at 8:45 a.m. The race will start at 9:30 a.m. and conclude with an award ceremony at 11 a.m.
Parking is available downtown, and UT will provide a shuttle from UT’s Scott Park Campus in Lot 22. The shuttle will run from 7 to 11:30 a.m. taking people to and from the race.
To be a part of UT’s team or make a donation, visit http://utole.do/komen.
