The 5k introduced me to cancer prevention

Aside from countless hours of practice, performing at basketball games and perfecting our national’s routines, it was always an important goal of the American University Dance Team to give back. As a team member, every year we searched for local fundraisers to participate in. Since everyone is impacted by cancer we were excited when we found the Prevent Cancer Foundation’s 5k.

For the past two years, the entire team has come to the ballpark for a scenic run along the Capital Riverfront and the opportunity to walk around a Major League field. But what truly makes this 5k unique is the health fair that follows the run. Dozens of food vendors and health care professionals set up displays to give out samples of delicious healthy recipes and provide health information and free cancer screenings. I knew that smoking cigarettes could lead to lung cancer, but this health fair was where I first learned about the importance of a healthy diet, exercise and timely screenings to prevent cancer or detect it in an early stage.

As a recent college grad job surfing, I was pleased to see an open position at the Foundation. And for the past six months, I’ve been fortunate to work for the Prevent Cancer Foundation working to fund ground breaking research and raise awareness for a message that is too often ignored.

The Prevent Cancer Foundation remains the only U.S. non-profit solely devoted to cancer prevention and early detection. Today, we know that 50% of cancer deaths can be prevented.

Join me and the AU Dance Team on October 4 as we run/walk in and around Nationals Park to help Stop Cancer Before It Starts. You will exercise and leave with new knowledge on how to prevent cancer every day and maybe even gain some inspiration for your next career move.

Register now for the Prevent Cancer 5K Walk/Run before June 30 to receive a $5 discount using the code EARLYBIRD.