On Saturday, April 30th, nearly 40,000 participants joined in the 14th Annual Revlon Run/Walk for Women. Each year, this 5K begins in the heart of Times Square, and ends in Central Park with a Health Expo for all. Survivors, friends, family and children gathered together on the Great White Way in NYC to raise the dollar that will finally find a cure for women’s cancers. The day was full of hope, camaraderie and some strong messages that I’d love to share with you.
· The EIF Revlon Run/Walk event is one of the nation’s largest single-day fundraisers to support women’s cancer research, counseling and outreach programs in New York City and beyond. (9 recipients in NY include Gilda’s Club, the Ovarian Cancer National Alliance and Memorial Sloan-Kettering.)
· Did you know? In this year alone, an estimated 275,000 women’s cancers will be diagnosed in the US?
· With one in three women predicted to develop a cancer in her lifetime, we’ve all felt the real impact of women’s cancers in our own lives. This is personal.
· “Womentum” is the theme for the day. By participating, volunteering or donating to an event such as this one, you are “putting your foot down and saying “No!” to that prediction”. We all know, there is nothing a woman can’t do if she puts her mind to something…
· America’s doctor, Dr. Mehmet Oz (Emmy Award Winning Host of “The Dr. Oz Show”), once again hosted the day. His message was powerful, and one that only he could deliver: When it comes to cancer, GENETICS LOADS THE GUN, AND ENVIRONMENT PULLS THE TRIGGER. We are not prisoners to our DNA…
· We’ve all heard that early detection saves lives, but managing your environment does as well. Take a look at your lifestyle, what you put in your body, and how active you are while you are making that next doctor’s appointment!
· Folks of all shapes and sizes, ages and physical abilities took part in this 5K. It was truly inspirational. Next to me at the finish line was a woman in her late 50’s. She completed the entire race on lofstrand crutches, and had just completed her second round of chemotherapy. Our own strifes seem so much smaller when witnessing the will and grit of others who are defying all odds every day; Womentum indeed.
· The Revlon sponsors truly made the day memorable. At the finish line, runners had the opportunity to have their hair and makeup “retouched” (or just plain touched, in my case), with a mini photo shoot thereafter. That alone might be a reason for some to get out there and walk! Thank you Revlon.
· I did see a fair amount of walkers looking for blister treatment at the end of the day. As a physical therapist, I can’t help but use this as a teachable moment. For walkers more so than runners, your sock wear choices are probably more important than your selection of shoes. The typical cotton sock holds sweat against the skin and can create the friction that forms a blister. Choosing a sock made from a synthetic, such as CoolMax or polypropylene will wick away the sweat to evaporate and help prevent those blisters from forming.
· Help stamp out women’s cancers from your desktop!
Text WALK to 50555 to safely donate $10 to the EIF Revlon Run/Walk for Women, or visit their website at 2011 Revlon Run/Walk for Women.
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I was so excited to see another running post on Top Ten Tuesdays!
I second your recommendation about socks. I ONLY run in Balegas – they are expensive, but well worth it.
Hi Dianna,
I'm coming over to visit you now! I have never heard of Balegas :(, but will be googling them later too. Thanks for YOUR tip!! 😀
Glad to see your posting on the walk in NYC. More needs to be done, I think I will post something too, you have inspired me. Thanks.
Diane, This was my first, but I will absolutely be a regular until the "cause" is no more… Thanks for visiting!
Wow! The story of the lady finishing on crutches is just amazing. Yes, cancer touches each and everyone one of us.
Hi Becky- YES! I was inspired by so many. Thanks for sharing- D
Congratulations!! I wish I would get off my butt and run again. I love how it made me feel. Was one of my New Year's resolutions and I haven't been out to run once. :o( Oh…bother.
Congratulations! What a great cause! I love Coolmax socks but I find they can be slippery in some of my shoes. Thanks for sharing your inspiring experience:)
Hi Deb! You are always a welcomed visitor here 😀 Thanks for your input on Coolmax; too slippery is not good either!