Cancer Classic run to benefit OMRF

OKLAHOMA CITY, November 2, 2009 – Raising money for cancer research at the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation is second nature to everyone in the Putnam City school district. For 34 years, their annual Cancer Drive has spurred friendly competition among schools and taught invaluable lessons in philanthropy.

After years of bake sales, car washes and school carnivals, district officials chose last year to add a 5K run to the Cancer Drive activity list. Despite brutal cold and wind, the first Cancer Classic raised nearly $8,000, which was added to the $2.8 million the district has donated to OMRF since 1976. As always, the money goes directly to OMRF’s cancer research – paying for laboratory equipment and supplies and funding the Putnam City Schools Distinguished Chair in Cancer Research, held by Linda Thompson, Ph.D.

“This is just the beginning of what we can do with the run,” said Jason Hasty, Cancer Drive committee member. “More people are getting involved, because almost everyone is affected by cancer in some way during their lifetime.”

This year’s Cancer Classic will be held Nov. 7 at Stars & Stripes Park at Lake Hefner and includes both a 1-mile “fun run” and a full 5K event. Walkers and runners are welcome, and all proceeds from the events will go to cancer research at the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation.

Entry forms for the event are available online at www.pccancerclassic.com. Runners can sign up the morning of the events, which begin at 9 a.m. on Nov. 7 at Stars & Stripes Park on Lake Hefner.

For more information, contact Lauren Nettleton at 271-7400 or at Lauren-Nettleton@omrf.org.

About Cancer
Despite advances in diagnostic and treatment, cancer claims the lives of more than 500,000 Americans every year—more than 1,500 a day—according to estimates from the Center for Disease Control. Cancer is the country’s second leading killer and can strike any organ in the body.

About OMRF
OMRF (omrf.org) is an independent, nonprofit biomedical research institute dedicated to understanding and developing more effective treatments for human diseases.  Chartered in 1946, its scientists focus on such critical research areas as Alzheimer’s disease, cancer, lupus and cardiovascular disease.

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