The 16th annual family-friendly “The Race” will take place this Mother’s Day, Sunday, May 12, at Legacy Village in Lyndhurst. Registration begins at 7:30 a.m. and the 5K starts at 8:30 a.m., followed by the 1-mile run at 9:30 a.m.
The goal of “The Race” is to empower children and their families to make a difference in the lives of those touched by breast cancer. Participants will receive a commemorative t-shirt and all guests will enjoy refreshments, bounce houses, laser tag, face painting and more. Prizes will be awarded to the team and school with the greatest participation, as well as the individual who raises the most money.
This year’s event will honor two inspiring women and breast cancer survivors from Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine. Dean Pamela B. Davis, MD, PhD, who is a renowned physician researcher and the medical school’s fearless leader, and associate professor Nicole Ward, PhD, who has obtained national and international recognition and funding for her dermatology research.
For the past 15 years, “The Race” has attracted thousands of participants each Mother’s Day. Private donors cover the operating costs of the event, and 100 percent of participants’ registration fees and donations will be given to the Case Comprehensive Cancer Center (Case CCC) in support of innovative breast cancer research.
“Our investigators are consistently working towards finding cancer cures, and thanks to ‘The Race’ they will be supported through availability of new pilot grant awards,” said Case CCC Director Stanton L. Gerson, MD. “It’s inspiring to see cancer research advocates join together in our Cleveland community. The event organizers are bringing an engaged community to an exciting event that will benefit all individuals and families affected by cancer.”
“The Race” was originated in 2004 by Joshua and Danielle Berns, then 13 and 11 years old, respectively, as an outlet for children and their families to join the fight to eradicate breast cancer. This annual family-focused event was created to encourage other children to have a positive impact on the future of breast cancer treatment by raising money and awareness for research and early detection. Today, their parents, Jonathan and Patti Berns, keep the tradition alive.
“We are so honored to be working with the Case Comprehensive Cancer Center,” said Jonathan Berns. “The combination of the top researchers from area medical centers focused on identifying and implementing world-class, groundbreaking cancer treatments is not only a game changer for Northeast Ohio, but for the global population.”
The Case CCC is the coordinating body for all major cancer research activities across Northeast Ohio and one of 50 National Cancer Institute-Designated Comprehensive Cancer Centers in the country. The center combines the talent and commitment of 380 physicians and scientists at Case Western Reserve University, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center and Cleveland Clinic, and supports the efforts to develop treatments and cures for cancers of all types, including clinical trials. By pooling resources, the center dramatically increases its chances of success on behalf of patients and their families. Pilot funding allows world-class physicians and scientists to strategically pursue promising developments in real-time. Investments like these help lay the groundwork necessary to secure additional support from federal and foundation sources with a return on investment of ten to one.
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Donation to run the 5K or the 1-Mile race are $20 for an adult and $15 for a child 18 years-of-age or younger. To purchase tickets or for more information, visit dotherace.com.
About The Race
The Race helps researchers fundamentally change breast cancer treatment. The organization looks to invest in game-changing research and new protocols that drastically extend lives and/or alter the modalities of treatment, with a focus towards prevention. The aim is to prevent, cure, or better manage breast cancer on a long term basis. Beginning in 2012, The Race established a unique partnership with Effective Leadership Academy to develop northeast Ohio high school students' skills in teamwork, leadership, organizational skills, and the importance of philanthropy. The Race Leadership Team incorporates these 21st century skills as they assist with coordinating different aspects of The Race including fundraising, event planning, and determining how the funds raised are invested.
To learn more about opportunities to support the Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, visit case.edu/cancer.