Newswise — WhatThe seventh annual “Polly’s Run” event raises awareness for pancreatic cancer and money for research. The event is sponsored by Albuquerque Pet Memorial Services. The majority of the proceeds will benefit The University of New Mexico Comprehensive Cancer Center.
WhyPolly Rogers was a healthy, non-smoking wife and mother of three boys. She was an elementary teacher and a running coach for young students. She was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in July, 2008, and died 11 months later. “Seeing her suffer for 11 months was a difficult thing to do,” says Josh Rogers, her middle son. Josh and his brothers took their mother’s life lessons to heart and decided to make a difference in the lives of others. They began “Polly’s Run” to raise money and awareness for pancreatic cancer.
Pancreatic cancer represents only 3.1 percent of all cancers diagnosed in the United States but causes 7 percent of all cancer deaths. More than 53,000 people are expected to receive a pancreatic cancer diagnosis in 2016 and almost 42,000 people will die from it. Fewer than 8 percent of people with pancreatic cancer survive for 5 years, according to the latest statistics from the National Cancer Institute.
“The time for action is now,” says Josh Rogers. Rogers organizes the event which has grown to more than 600 runners and walkers including many pancreatic cancer survivors. Many who take part have lost family members to pancreatic cancer. “The group that we’ve created is very passionate about the cause and finding a cure,” he says. “They understand that it is absolutely critical to carry on this fight.”
WhoEveryone is welcome to run or walk in the 5K event. A “Kids’ K” is also available for the youngest participants. Those unable to attend on Race Day may complete a “Virtual Run” from anywhere in the world.
Donations are welcome.
Pancreatic cancer survivors are especially invited to take part in the event.
Preregister, donate and learn more online at www.pollysrun.com. Participants may also register the day of the event.
WhenSaturday, June 4, 2016Run/Walk and Kids’ K from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.Registration opens at 7:30 a.m.
WhereTiguex Park, 1800 Mountain Road Northwest, Albuquerque, NM 87104
InterviewsJosh Rogers, event organizer, [email protected], 505-504-8607
ContactDorothy Hornbeck, JKPR, [email protected], 505-340-5929
About the UNM Comprehensive Cancer CenterThe University of New Mexico Comprehensive Cancer Center is the Official Cancer Center of New Mexico and the only National Cancer Institute-designated Cancer Center in a 400-mile radius. One of the premier cancer centers nationwide, the UNM CCC has 128 board-certified oncology physicians, forming New Mexico’s largest cancer care team. It treats about 60 percent of adults and virtually all the children in New Mexico diagnosed with cancer — more than 10,000 people— from every county in the state in more than 135,000 clinic visits each year. Through its partnership with the New Mexico Cancer Care Alliance, an “exemplary national model for cancer health care delivery,” the UNM CCC offers access to more than 160 clinical trials to New Mexicans in every part of the state. Annual research funding of more than $72 million supports the UNM CCC’s 132 cancer scientists. Working with partners at Los Alamos and Sandia National Laboratories, Lovelace Respiratory Research Institute, and New Mexico State University, they have developed new diagnostics and drugs for leukemia, breast cancer, ovarian cancer, prostate cancer, liver and pancreatic cancer, brain cancer, and melanoma; garnered 33 new patents and 117 patents pending; and launched 13 new biotechnology companies since 2010. Learn more at www.cancer.unm.edu.
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