The Discovery to Cure Walk returns for the fifth year to Westport, Conn. on Sept. 16, bringing together hundreds of people of all ages, including cancer survivors, dedicated to raising funds and awareness for ovarian cancer
research.
The Discovery to Cure Walk will take place at Sherwood Island State Park and offers participants a choice of walking 1.5 miles or a 3 mile loop, each of which is “stroller friendly.” One hundred percent of event proceeds will go directly to developing new methods of early detection and pioneering treatment options and research initiatives for ovarian and other gynecological cancers.
“There is a huge need to continue to provide cutting-edge research and clinical care to all women,” said Dr. Gil Mor, director, Translational Research Program, Discovery to Cure. “We are excited about this special walk as it will not only help raise vital funds, but also educate people about ovarian cancer.”
Those interested in participating can pre-register online or by mail with a downloaded registration form available on the Discovery to Cure Walk website www.discoverytocure.yale.edu. Pre-registrants will receive complimentary onsite parking.
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On-site registration will also be available the day of the event, and starts at 8:30 a.m. at Sherwood Island State Park. The opening ceremony and walk will begin at 9:30 a.m. Registration is $30 for each participant and includes a light breakfast, lunch and a Discovery to Cure Walk 2012 t-shirt.
Every participant has a unique and personal story to tell. Among those in the Discovery to Cure Walk 2012 is JoAnn Bilyard, a 12-year ovarian cancer survivor.
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"It’s imperative for women to be their own advocates. The
symptoms of this disease—bloating, indigestion, gas, lower back pain—are vague, often ignored or even misdiagnosed. If any of these symptoms persist, I encourage women to see their gynecologist,” said Bilyard. “Since the symptoms are vague, ovarian cancer is often diagnosed at an advanced stage, and in turn it has the highest mortality of all cancers of the female reproductive system. That’s why this walk is so important—to me and to so many others in our community.”
Last year the Discovery to Cure Walk drew more than 200 supporters. One hundred percent of the funds raised were used to continue efforts of the Discovery to Cure research team in the development of early detection methods, novel treatment options and prevention of recurrence of ovarian cancer. One particularly exciting breakthrough has been the identification and characterization of the ovarian cancer stem cell, the source of chemo-resistance and recurrence. Proceeds from the Discovery to Cure Walk have funded efforts to find a chemotherapeutic agent that can specifically attack these cells.
To register for the Discovery to Cure Walk 2012, or to donate to the cause, visit www.discoverytocure.yale.edu.
