MD Anderson to host evening fun run supporting skin cancer research

MD Anderson News Release August 26, 2015

MD Anderson News Release 08/26/2015

Runners and walkers will soon hit the streets for the eighth annual AIM for the CURE Melanoma Walk and Fun Run to raise funds and awareness for the disease. The event on Sept. 26 at 6 p.m. is co-hosted by The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center and The AIM at Melanoma Foundation.

The 5K non-certified run begins outside MD Anderson's Mays Clinic, located at 1155 Pressler St., and winds through the Texas Medical Center. Participants will join cancer survivors, patients and family members with the opportunity to support melanoma research efforts at MD Anderson.

This year, Robin Roberts, cancer survivor and co-anchor of ABC's "Good Morning America," will serve as the emcee. Prior to the race, a variety of events will educate participants about skin cancer, including guest speakers Michael A. Davies, M.D., Ph. D., associate professor of Melanoma Medical Oncology and Systems Biology and Jean Schlipmann, co-founder of the AIM at Melanoma Foundation.

In addition to the run, free skin cancer screenings will be available from 6 – 9 p.m. on a first-come, first-served basis. The event will also feature education and awareness information, massages, a UV camera, food vendors, and children’s activities, including an appearance by the puppets from MD Anderson's Too Cool to Smoke puppet show and the sun safety superheroes Ray and the Sunbeatables. Because this is an evening event, participants are reminded wear or bring something that glows, flashes or blinks.

Melanoma is one of the most commonly diagnosed and most dangerous forms of skin cancer. According to the National Cancer Institute, more than 74,000 new cases will be diagnosed in 2015. Unlike some common cancers, melanoma has a wide age range distribution, occurring in both younger and older men and women. Avoiding sun exposure and using a broad-spectrum sunscreen lotion that filters both UVB and UVA radiation may reduce the risk of melanoma.

Funds from the AIM for the CURE Melanoma Walk & Fun Run will be used to continue MD Anderson’s efforts for the Melanoma Moonshot Program and the Immunotherapy Platform. In 2014, the race had over 1400 participants, and raised $125,000 in funds for MD Anderson’s melanoma research initiatives.

To register for the run, go to www.aimatmelanoma.org, click on “AIM Walks & Runs.” 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 Mid Campus Garage, at 7007 Bertner Ave.