MD Anderson hosts annual evening fun run benefiting melanoma research
MD Anderson News Release August 22, 2016
The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center and The AIM at Melanoma Foundation are proud to co-host the ninth annual AIM for the CURE Melanoma Walk and Fun Run to raise funds for melanoma research and promote awareness of skin cancer prevention. The event, scheduled for Saturday, September 17, at 6 p.m., is held at night to prevent excessive sun exposure.
The 5K non-certified run begins outside MD Anderson's Mays Clinic, located at 1155 Pressler St., and travels throughout the Texas Medical Center. This year, Deborah Duncan, host of “Great Day Houston” on Houston CBS station KHOU, will serve as the emcee.
Prior to the race, a variety of events will educate participants about skin cancer, including guest speakers Patrick Hwu, M.D., division head of Cancer Medicine and chair of Melanoma Medical Oncology, and Jean Schlipmann, co-founder of the AIM at Melanoma Foundation.
“The AIM for the CURE event is a great opportunity for public education and provides valuable support for our efforts to research new melanoma treatments, including immunotherapy-based strategies,” says Hwu. “Prevention education is critical because sun safety and skin screening can save so many lives from this deadly form of skin cancer.”
According to the American Cancer Society, skin cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in the United States, with approximately one in five Americans diagnosed at some point in their lives. Melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer, will be diagnosed in more than 76,000 new individuals in the U.S. this year. Fortunately, research shows avoiding excessive sun or tanning bed exposure and using broad-spectrum sunscreens that filter both UVA and UVB radiation can reduce the risk of skin cancers.
Free skin cancer screenings will be available from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. on a first-come, first-served basis, as well as several opportunities for fun and learning. There will be educational materials, an ultraviolet camera to show skin damage, massages and food vendors. Children’s activities include an appearance by MD Anderson's Too Cool to Smoke puppet show and preschool sun-safety curriculum, Ray and the Sunbeatables™.
Participants, including cancer survivors, patients and family members, are encouraged to wear or bring something that glows, flashes or blinks to make the most of the evening’s events.
Proceeds from the AIM for the CURE Melanoma Walk & Fun Run are used to continue MD Anderson’s efforts for the Melanoma Moon Shot Program and the Immunotherapy Platform. In 2015, more than 1,400 participants and 200 volunteers helped to raise $115,000 for MD Anderson’s melanoma research programs.
To register for the run, visit www.aimatmelanoma.org, click on “AIM Walks & Runs.” For more information, 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 Mid Campus Garage at 7007 Bertner Avenue.