By SARAH SHMERLING | Managing Editor
The Kickin’ Cancer 5K Run/Walk/Stroll will return to Brentwood on Oct. 1 to celebrate 16 years of fighting to end women’s cancers through prevention.
The non-competitive, family-friendly, timed 5K is hosted by the Lynne Cohen Foundation. Everyone, from hobbyists to families to professional runners, are invited to join the race which will be hosted by two-time Emmy winner and FOX 11 news anchor Marla Tellez and Amy Cohen Epstein, founder and executive director of the Lynne Cohen Foundation.
“I founded the Lynne Cohen Foundation with my sisters when I was just 21 years old after losing my mom, Lynne, to ovarian cancer,” Cohen Epstein explained. “Prevention is our cure, and the Kickin’ Cancer! 5K helps fund preventive care clinics across the country.”
Since its inception, Kickin’ Cancer! has raised over $3 million, all of which goes toward funding the network of Lynne Cohen Preventive Care Clinics. The clinics are highly specialized facilities that unite research, screening and clinical care for women who are high risk for breast and ovarian cancers.
According to the foundation, “Patients receive comprehensive cross-disciplinary care, and have access to some of the latest clinical trials, genetic testing, and, if needed, psychosocial counseling.”
One runner, 24-year-old KC Cord, shared that she will be running for her mom, who passed away from breast cancer in January 2013.
“One of the most powerful, motivational and important lessons my mom left me before she passed from breast cancer is to live through and from inspiration,” Cord said. “By participating in Kickin’ Cancer! I am joining an army fighting women’s cancers, and I aspire to not only honor my mother’s fight, but to inspire this army to grow.”
This year’s Expo opens at 7:30 a.m., with the 5K starting at 9 a.m. and a Kiddie Fun Run at 10:30 a.m. The event closes at 12 p.m.
All events take place at 11620 San Vicente Blvd.
Festivities for the day also include pre-run warmups, a family expo with giveaways, fitness activities and entertainment, a kid’s corner, individual and team fundraising awards for top finishers, and a Kickin’ Cancer tribute wall to honor and remember those touched by cancer.
And if you can’t make it out to Brentwood, Virtual Walkers are encouraged to fundraise online, from the couch or with a walk around their neighborhood.
“We can’t wait to see what this year holds for our community, our patients and our fight against women’s cancers,” Cohen Epstein shared.
For more information or to sign up for this year’s race, visit kickincancer.com.
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