Fifth Annual "Reason to Run" 5k to Raise Funds for Pediatric Cancer Research
Saturday, November 10, 2012 at 8 a.m.
Deering Estate
16701 S.W. 72 Avenue
Miami, FL

On-site registration and check-in will begin at 7 a.m.  The registration fee is $25 for adults before November 2.  The fee increases to $30 thereafter.

To date, the event has raised more than $150,000 for pediatric cancer research.  Dr. Julio Barredo of the UM Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center received the first local award last year for a study entitled “Targeting Glycolysis and the AMPK Regulated Metabolic Networks in Childhood Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL).”  Last year, event organizers also raised enough to purchase the Bio-Plex 200.  The instrument allows for complex analyses of protein and nucleic acid vital to the research being conducted at UM Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center.

The “Reason to Run” 5K run/walk is the brainchild of avid marathoners and training partners Linda Martinez and Lisette Zamora.  Both women have participated in and coached a number of fundraising events for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.

“Finding cures for pediatric cancers took on a special meaning for my family five years ago when my 10-year-old nephew was diagnosed with a brain tumor,” said Linda Martinez, event organizer.  “Through the work of dedicated doctors and nurses, he is winning his fight.  But the fact remains that cancer is the number one disease killer of children, and the treatments currently available often negatively impact the quality of life for those who survive.  Events such as this one will help fund life-saving research while raising awareness that there is still much work to be done.”

After the run/walk, participants will be invited to enter the Deering property for a post-race event that will include a raffle, music, food, drinks, bounce-houses and other entertainment in the family area.

All participants will be automatically entered to win one of many prizes including a Miami Seaquarium dolphin swim for four, admission to other attractions, and a host of other prizes.  Those wishing to enter, but not run, can make a donation or purchase a raffle ticket for $5.

Sponsors for “Reason to Run” 5K run/walk include: Palmetto Ford, SeaView Research, HiTEX Marketing, SH Medical Corp., Dolphin Mall and Preferred Care Partners.  Several local schools and businesses have initiated fundraising campaigns as well, and cash donations have exceeded $15,000 to date.

CancerFree KIDS’ mission is to fund life-saving research of childhood cancers.  CFK supports research by raising funds in a myriad of ways and by actively advocating for additional funding of pediatric cancer research on a national level.  The non-profit 501(c)(3) organization was founded on the belief that research can lead to a cure, not only for children, but for everyone.  For additional information, visit www.cancerfreekids.org.
For more information on the race event or to register, please visit www.reasontorun.org or call (305) 807-7079.