WINNEMUCCA - May 12, all northern Nevada residents are invited to join "The LaRena Smith Bengoa Run, Ride or Walk for the Cure."
The 10th annual race will begin at 4:30 p.m. Saturday, May 12, at French Ford Middle School; registration and packet pickup will take place from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m.
"This event is meant to be a time to remember those who have lost their battle with cancer, to support those who are fighting, to celebrate those who have survived and to create hope for those who will meet this disease in the future," said Mary Maher Bengoa, who co-organizes the event with her mother, Amorita Maher.
Bengoa continued, "These are people with individual lives, families and feelings. So this year we want to continue to remember this disease and those it has affected. We want to help people understand not just what they're fighting, but who they're fighting for."
This year's theme, "Blast Cancer," is a fitting one, said Bengoa, "especially since almost everyone knows someone who's been diagnosed with cancer."
This year, about 569,490 Americans are expected to die of cancer, more than 1,500 a day. Cancer is the second most common cause of death in the United States, exceeded only by heart disease, and in the U.S., cancer accounts for nearly 1 of every 4 deaths.
That's the bad news. The good news is that the five-year relative survival rate for all cancers diagnosed between 1999-2005 is 68 percent, up from 50 percent in 1975-77, an improvement that reflects progress in diagnosing certain cancers at an earlier stage and improvements in treatment.
Bengoa said that's why every person's support is so important at each year's event. "This is not a global disease or a national one, this disease affects our community, our friends and our families."
She continued, "Our money, when combined, is powerful. We can be part of the solution, the cure. We can help those in need."
Using proceeds from past years' events, Bengoa said the group has distributed $80,123 to more than 100 cancer victims since 2003, as well as donated more than $20,000 to cancer research.
"And this year we are hoping to raise even more so that we can help more people," said Bengoa.
Past recipients routinely express deep gratitude for the funding, which can be used for everything from medical and travel expenses to wigs, food and even clothing.
One caregiver wrote Bengoa to express appreciation for the money, which has helped absorb some of the expense of seeking medical treatment for her son in Utah.
"Your help came at a time when we were struggling and it really made a difference in our lives," wrote the woman.
She added, "We cannot say thank you enough! What a blessing to know that these kinds of foundations are out there to help people like us when we truly need it."
Bengoa said helping cancer victims meet their increased expenses during treatment is one purpose of the organization. "The other is to let people know that we care, that there is somebody willing to help them during this difficult time."
Saturday, May 12, participants may choose to run, ride or walk 1-, 3- and 5-mile courses. Bengoa said in the past, some participants have even driven golf carts and horse-drawn carts.
Whatever the mode of transportation, Bengoa said, "This event is all about fun while we create a community of support; all ages and walks of life are welcome."
She added, "We want people to cross the finish line with the goal of finding a cure and a world without cancer."
Participants may register when they arrive on race day. Registration fees are $25 for adults, $20 for senior citizens and team members and $10 for children under 10. In addition, phantom racers are welcome; their cost to register is $25.
All participants will receive a T-shirt and goodie bag at registration. A concession stand and free drinks will be available after the event. Also, a raffle and silent auction will be held in conjunction with the race. A homemade quilt, gift certificates and other gift items will be up for grabs.
Participants do not need to be present to win.
The night before the race, the Bengoa group will host a concert to kick off the cancer benefit weekend. "Adrian" will perform in the back room at The Martin Hotel at 7 p.m. Friday, May 11. Tickets are $15 each and are on sale at The Martin Hotel, OK Tire and Northern Nevada Eyecare. For more information, please visit Adrian's website at www.buckaroogirl.com.
For more information on The LaRena Smith Bengoa Run, Ride or Walk for the Cure, please call Amorita Maher at (541) 585-4072, Nicole Maher at (775) 623-6249 or Jeannie McRae at (775) 623-4069. Information also is available at http://larenasrace.org.
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