(From L. to R.) Prevent Cancer Foundation COO & EVP Jan Bresch, 2013 5k Walk/Run Chair Allison Hutchins, and 2012 5k Chair and Foundation Board member Katherine Kennedy

Spring is here and with it starts the countdown to the Prevent Cancer Foundation 5k Walk/Run! This is the time to join or form a team to help Stop Cancer Before It Starts!

This year’s event is being chaired by Allison Hutchins, a longtime 5k walk/run participant and last year’s top individual fundraiser and captain of the top fundraising team. It will take place once again at Nationals Park on Sunday, September 29 and will include plenty of food, fun and health and wellness for all including your pet! In addition to the walk/run, participants will be able to use the Nats batting cages, be able to tour the Prevent Cancer Super Colon™ and visit health and wellness booths.

What a great way to raise vital funds for cancer research, education, advocacy and community outreach. Visit the Prevent Cancer Foundation 5k Walk/Run site often for updates and latest news!

Purchasing tickets through the Prevent Cancer Foundation’s exclusive link will not only get you great seats for a discounted price, but extra “value-adds” you can use to purchase concessions, merchandise and more. The days of buying tickets at the box office on game day are long gone, so be sure to take advantage of our special discounted tickets—only a limited amount are available, so be sure to act fast and get them before July 23rd!

Whether a family outing, a date night or just a fun summer night out with the friends, don’t miss out on what promises to be a “must see” event. There will be activities for everyone of all ages, as well as the chance to win some great prizes.

Come see Abe, George, TJ and Teddy race to the finish line!

Stop by our kiosk at the center field entrance and see our 5k fitness partner LifeSpan Fitness’ amazing treadmill desk that allows you to work while working out. Correctly guess the number of buddy bracelets at our kiosk and win a $100 gift certificate to Clyde’s. Register for our 5k FUNdraising walk at Nationals Park on September 30th, and most importantly, learn how those small changes can have a big impact on preventing cancer while showing off your “Natitude”! Cheer on the Racing Presidents George, Abe, Tom and Teddy as they race in the fourth inning and enjoy sitting in the best seats in the house for a discount you can only get through the Prevent Cancer Foundation Game Night page.

Love Baseball? Hate Cancer? Take Action Now!

• Purchase tickets and encourage family, friends and colleagues to do the same by sharing our special web link: http://nationals.com/PCF2012. Act fast, a limited number of tickets are available until July 23rd!

• Share on Facebook. We have created a Facebook event for the Game Night and we encourage you to share with you Facebook friends, especially the baseball fans in your life.

• Check out the Prevent Cancer 5k Walk website to learn more about Game Night and to register for the walk on September 30th at Nationals Park.

We look forward to seeing you at Nationals Park on August 4th!

My grandfather proudly served in the United States Army and did a tour of duty during the Korean War. As I reflected upon his service and his life, something deeply profound hit me.  He came home from war a survivor, not knowing that it would be a different kind of battle that would ultimately take his life. After several years in remission from prostate cancer, he eventually succumbed to bone cancer in 2001.

The “c word” strikes fear into the hearts of many, and I am no different.  I hate the word, the disease, the pain and devastation it causes and I want it eradicated.  Cancer has claimed not only the life of three of my grandparents, but also the lives of so many friends, including my very best friend, my 17-year old sister, Sara.  Last September was the 10 year anniversary of Sara’s death.  In her honor I ran the Prevent Cancer Foundation’s 5K for the first time.  I am proud to say that “Team Sara” received the top team fundraising award and raised more than $3,300 for cancer prevention and early detection research, education and community outreach.  Cancer may have won a few battles, but I am determined it will not win the war.

Although my first attempt at the 5K last year was quite successful, I am not finished – not by a long shot. This year, with the help of some friends, “Team Celebrate” will be honoring and celebrating the lives of all those we love that have been touched by cancer.  We will be participating in the Prevent Cancer Foundation’s 5K on September 24. Some members of “Team Celebrate” will run the 5K, others will walk, and a few will be cheering all participants on to make it to the finish line – our single purpose: raise vital funds for one of the most noteworthy causes I have ever known. Our team goal is to raise an additional $5,000 for cancer prevention efforts so that not one more person we love will ever need to battle this terrible disease.

Over the next several months I will be regaling you with stories of “Team Celebrate”, highlighting the people behind the mission, our accomplishments, successes and even our failures. We know that we are not alone in our desire to win the war against cancer so we hope that you in turn, will share your experiences with us.

Is there a loved one you wish to remember, honor, and celebrate?  Will you join me, “Team Celebrate”, and the Prevent Cancer Foundation to stop cancer before it starts?  For more information about the Prevent Cancer Foundation 5K, or to register, create and/or join a team please visit www.preventcancer5k.org.

We want to hear from you too. Let me know if you are going to participate in this year’s 5K and why you are running or walking? I will keep you posted on Team Celebrate’s progress and you do the same!