STUDIO CITY—September 11 is the day of the 13th Annual Walk/Run for Awareness and Hope to benefit Ovarian Cancer. The Ovarian Cancer Walk/Run was created after 22-year cancer survivor Gayle McKenna realized there was a lack of education and funding going towards ovarian cancer research. This Cancer Walk/Run was designed to educate the public on signs and symptoms while researching to find an early detection method as well as possibly finding a cure for the disease.
Ovarian Cancer Walk/Run
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McKenna offers some advice to those being affected by ovarian cancer. “I would tell them that number one, have a positive outlook, number two have a great nutritional diet and exercise,” said McKenna in an interview with Canyon News.
In addition, The Ovarian Cancer Center Coalition of Greater California is a non- profit organization that has an all volunteer staff that is committed to raising awareness of Ovarian Cancer and its symptoms. Proceeds from annual Walk/Run events help fund research and educational programs on Ovarian Cancer.
In honor, of this historical day, this year’s event will include a special ceremony. “There will be an army/military group that will be coming. They will be walking in memory of the fallen soldiers and the brothers, sister, and family they’ve lost to war and cancer. It will be over 100 soldiers,” said, McKenna.
Last year there were around two thousand runners and walkers who participated in the event in memory and in honor of their family and/or friends. Anyone is able to participate while people of six or more are considered teams. Typically, the Ovarian Cancer Walk has raised around $75K for research and cancer programs. There are five race categories for this year’s event; a 10K which is equal to 6.2 miles, and a 5K run which is the equivalent of 3.2 miles as well as a Kiddie K and a health fair.
The causes of ovarian cancer are unknown but there are theories that believe it to be from genetic errors within the female reproductive system and increased hormone levels that may stimulate the growth of abnormal cells. “Women are often misdiagnosed. I think doctors need to be more alert of signs and symptoms,” said McKenna when speaking on misconceptions women may face with Ovarian Cancer.
This year’s annual Ovarian Cancer Walk/Run will take place from the CBS Studio Center at 4024 Radford Avenue in Studio City going down Ventura Boulevard with a turnaround on Colfax on Radford. The admission charge is $25 for adults, Teams of six or more is $20. Seniors are $20 and children 12 and under are $5.
There will be free parking but due to the road closure please enter off of Laurel Canyon Boulevard and Woodbridge. To sign up to be a volunteer please visit the website www.ovariancancerrun.com for more information as well as http://www.ovariancancercalifornia.com to learn more about signs, symptoms and detection. ‘Until there’s a test, Awareness is best’ is the group’s motto.
