Published on September 18, 2018
Updated on November 4, 2019
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MEDIA CONTACT:
Hayley Cooke
Hayley.Cooke@preventcancer.org
703-837-3692
ALEXANDRIA, Va. – On Sunday, September 16, the Prevent Cancer Foundation® hosted its 10th annual Health Fair and 5k Walk/Run at Nationals Park, where hundreds of participants stepped up to the plate to support lifesaving cancer prevention and early detection programs across the country.
The untimed walk/run began at Nationals Park and took participants on a route along the beautiful Capitol Riverfront. This year, many kids and dogs (with their parents and owners) participated in a “fun run,” which offered a new, shortened route around the ballpark.
After participants crossed the finish line, they headed to the Health Fair, where more than 30 local health and fitness partners offered free services, healthy snacks, health screenings and more. Other highlights of the activities were the Nationals batting cages, photo stations and face painting, as well as the Kids Zone, jungle gym and obstacle course for youngsters. Dogs got the V.I.P. treatment at the “Doggie Dugout,” where they walked the “green carpet,” posed for a photo op, took home giveaways and enjoyed treats.
Gheorghe Mureșan served as honorary chair of the event. Mureșan is a former player for the Washington Bullets (now Washington Wizards) and the tallest player in NBA history at 7 feet 7 inches. He became a passionate advocate for cancer prevention after losing his mother to colon cancer.
Also touched by losses of parents to cancer are Kevin Corke and Lucas Tomlinson of Fox News, who emceed the event. Participants were able to honor their own loved ones who have been touched by cancer by writing their names on the Prevent Cancer Tribute Wall.
“Everyone has been affected by cancer in some way,” said Carolyn Aldigé, CEO and founder of the Prevent Cancer Foundation®. “In fact, I founded the Prevent Cancer Foundation after losing my father to cancer. That’s why I want everyone to work together so we can reduce our cancer risk and stop cancer before it starts.”
All proceeds from the Health Fair and 5k Walk/Run support the Foundation’s programs. The Prevent Cancer Foundation® is the only nonprofit organization in the U.S. dedicated solely to cancer prevention and early detection.
About the Prevent Cancer Foundation®
The Prevent Cancer Foundation® is one of the nation’s leading voluntary health organizations and the only U.S. nonprofit organization focused solely on cancer prevention and early detection. Founded in 1985, it has catapulted cancer prevention to prominence and fulfills its mission through research, education, outreach and advocacy.
For more information, please visit preventcancer.org.
###
