The Foundation for Women’s Cancer (FWC) will mark its 25th Anniversary with the 7th Annual National Race to End Women’s Cancer, featuring a 5K Run and a 1 Mile Walk, on Sunday, Nov. 6, in downtown Washington, DC, on Freedom Plaza. The National Race to End Women’s Cancer is the Foundation’s major annual awareness and fundraising event, supporting the full slate of the organization’s efforts. Registration is open at endwomenscancer.org, with a $45 entry fee.
Every five minutes, a woman is diagnosed with a reproductive cancer – cervical, ovarian, uterine, vaginal or vulvar – impacting more than 98,000 women each year. That’s another mother, daughter, sister, friend or colleague every five minutes. Too many are diagnosed in the late stages, and nearly a third will die. Far too few women – or men – know how to recognize the symptoms of these cancers, and the importance of getting treatment from a gynecologic oncologist for the best outcomes. Risks rise with age, weight and other factors. The FWC supports survivors and works to raise awareness and research funding to defeat gynecologic cancers.
The pre-race program will begin at 8:15 a.m. at 14th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue NW, with the race beginning at 9 a.m. The event is led by National Race Chair Camille Grammer, an endometrial cancer survivor and star on “The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills,” who will walk the route with her team, “Camille’s Crusaders.” All participants (survivors, family, friends, loved ones, surgeons, caregivers, colleagues, and sponsors) are encouraged to “Join the Movement” whether as a runner, walker or supporter. Even if you can’t join us in Washington, your registration fee and donation are greatly appreciated.
“It’s such an honor and privilege to once again play a part in such a worthy cause as the National Race to End Women’s Cancer. I’m very much looking forward to returning to Washington and reuniting with our team – Camille’s Crusaders – as we spread awareness and help raise funds for the Foundation for Women’s Cancer,” says Grammer, who is participating in her third walk. “And this year will be extra special for me as my mother [Maureen, an ovarian cancer survivor] and my daughter [Mason] will be ‘Joining the Movement’ too by walking alongside me down Pennsylvania Avenue!”
Since FWC was founded by the Society of Gynecologic Oncology (SGO) 25 years ago, it was discovered that cervical cancer is almost entirely preventable. The Foundation was one of the organizations leading the charge to create public awareness linking the human papillomavirus (HPV) to cervical cancer. More recently, HPV has been linked to both vaginal and vulvar cancers. FWC alerted women to the fact that a cluster of symptoms is associated with ovarian cancer, the most deadly gynecologic cancer, and has worked with other advocacy organizations to make women more knowledgeable about an individual’s risk of developing ovarian cancer. Taken together, this information can and has led to earlier detection of this cancer, when a cure is more likely.
For more information on risks, prevention and treatment of gynecologic cancers, please see How to Maintain Your Gynecologic Health on the FWC website.
Those interested in participating in the race, as an individual, with a team, or as a volunteer, can visit endwomenscancer.org for additional information and registration.
