Efforts to end melanoma take to the streets as evening fun-run returns to support skin cancer research at MD Anderson
MD Anderson News Release September 08, 2014
MD Anderson News Release 09/08/14
Runners and walkers from across the Houston area will converge on the Texas Medical Center for the seventh annual AIM for the CURE Melanoma Walk and Fun Run to generate funds and raise awareness for the most dangerous form of skin cancer.
The event on Sept. 20 at 6 p.m. is co-hosted by The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center and the AIM at Melanoma Foundation.
The 5K run and walk begins outside MD Anderson’s Mays Clinic, located at 1155 Pressler St. where participants will join patients, survivors and family members to support the institution’s latest research efforts.
“The recent advances in melanoma research have transformed our ability to care for patients with advanced disease providing hope and promise for continued success,” said Rodabe Amaria, M.D., assistant professor in Melanoma Medical Oncology.
Melanoma is one of the most commonly diagnosed and most dangerous forms of skin cancer. According to the National Cancer Institute, more than 76,000 new cases will be diagnosed in 2014. Unlike some common cancers, melanoma has a wide age range distribution, occurring in both younger and older men and women.
Melanoma was also selected as a part of MD Anderson’s Moon Shots Program, an ambitious and milestone-driven effort targeting eight cancers with the goal of rapidly reducing the toll these diseases take on society.
In addition to the run, free skin cancer screenings will be available from 6– 9 p.m. on a first-come, first-served basis. Other race day activities include sunscreen application demonstrations, a kids’ zone and various food vendors.
To register for the run, go to www.aimatmelanoma.org, click on “participate in a fundraiser.” For more information about the 5K, call 713-745-1804 or email aimforthecure@mdanderson.org.
No entrance fee is required, but participants are encouraged to raise at least $50. Free event parking will be located in the Pressler Garage, across the street from the Mays Clinic at 1180 Pressler.