It may be autumn, but San Diegans still need to protect their skin from sun damage and have their skin checked for skin cancer or pre-cancerous lesions. Free skin cancer screenings by UCSD dermatologists will be offered during the UCSD Melanoma 5K Walk for a Cure on November 5. The walk traverses the scenic UCSD campus in La Jolla and features the outdoor artwork of the Stuart Collection.
Walkers of all ages and fitness levels are invited to join this family-oriented walk, which raises funds to support melanoma research, treatment and education at the
UCSD Moores Cancer Center.
The walk is organized by Cancer Center board member Charles F. Gorder, Sr. as a tribute to the memory of his son, Bruce, who succumbed to melanoma at age 37.
“My son battled melanoma for years, but lost his fight in 1992, leaving behind his widow, Vicki, and his daughter, Gabrielle,” Gorder said. “His family, many friends and other supporters are committed to doing all that we can to help find the cure for melanoma. We hope others will join us in this cause.”
Malignant melanoma is one of the most virulent and deadly types of cancer.
The event begins at 8:30 a.m. at the Sun God statue, with registration and free refreshments. At 9 a.m. there is a children’s 100-yard dash, and the 5k walk begins at 9:15 a.m. In addition to skin cancer screening, the program also will include a free drawing for more than 60 great prizes donated by community supporters, and education about prevention and early detection of melanoma. There is no registration fee, but donations, which are entirely tax deductible, are gratefully accepted.
Walk for a Cure t-shirts will be awarded to the first 200 registrants who raise or donate $25 or more ($10 or more for children 12 and under). Grand prizes for children in the drawing include a girl’s bicycle and a boy’s bicycle donated by Wal-Mart in the Grossmont Shopping Center, La Mesa.
Each year, Gorder matches the first $25,000 raised by this event.
For details, contact the UCSD Cancer Center Development office at 858-822-0023.
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