Oklahoma City—It will look a little different this year, but the American Cancer Society’s third annual “Run For Hope 2020” will still go on—in a virtual setting.
“It is important for people to continue giving to organizations like the American Cancer Society because battles are still being fought, including the world of cancer,” said Alicia Jackson, ACS Community Development Manager. “Cancer doesn’t stop, and neither will we. And in order to keep our mission moving forward we must continue to fundraise through events like Run For Hope.”
Run For Hope has traditionally been a 5K/10K and fun run, with proceeds benefiting the new Hope Lodge Oklahoma. This year, because of the COVID-19 pandemic and social distancing guidelines, participants are encouraged to run or walk on their own schedule from May 18 through May 25 and share their photos and experiences virtually online.
“Run or walk your chosen distance from wherever you are to get on our virtual leaderboard,” Jackson said. “Results will be posted daily on our Facebook page. As participants are running or walking in honor of someone who has had cancer, or for themselves, they should wear the color of cancer for which they are walking. For example, pink represents breast cancer, blue represents colon cancer, and so on. The bottom line is not only raising funds but raising awareness that cancer has not gone away and our life-saving work must continue.”
This year’s Run For Hope presenting sponsor is Homeland Stores, Inc.
“We are fortunate to have a local partner like Homeland Stores,” said Lesa Foster, ACS Executive Director. “They have been wonderful to work with and we value their commitment to fighting cancer right here in Oklahoma. Homeland is much more than a trusted grocery store chain; they are part of our community and we thank them for joining us as we fight the good fight.”
Proceeds from Run For Hope will go toward the new Hope Lodge Oklahoma.
“So much of our attention lately has been focused on trying to stay afloat in the midst of a global pandemic,” Foster said. “But the new Hope Lodge Oklahoma is a glimmer of good news during this uncertain time. The American Cancer Society’s Hope Lodge will give patients who travel to Oklahoma City for cancer treatment a place to rest and recover. Having cancer is hard enough. This facility will allow those with limited resources a place to stay, free of charge, which makes lodging one less thing they have to worry about.”
roundbreaking on Hope Lodge Oklahoma is set for Fall, 2020, and proceeds from Run For Hope will go toward the new facility.
Registration fee for Run For Hope is a $20 donation to the American Cancer Society. Additional information and registration can be found at www.RunForHopeOKC.org
Editor’s Note: “Run For Hope” is the proper name of the event, with “For” being capitalized.