Run-walk to raise money for Merced cancer patients

A new 5K run-walk is being organized in efforts to bring financial aid to local cancer patients.

Hosted by the Merced Cancer Society Foundation, Dash Out For Cancer will take place Sunday at El Capitan High School at 100 Farmland Ave., in Merced.

Registration starts at 7:30 a.m. Individuals can sign up for $50 at www.mercedcancersociety.org or at the El Portal Comprehensive Cancer Center office on 3303 M St.

Cristina Valencia, manager at the cancer center and one of the event coordinators, said the run-walk will raise money for patients at the cancer center who need a hand with copayments, medication expenses and transportation.

While there are many other organizations that offer help, Valencia said, sometimes this help does not come immediately. In this case, local patients will benefit directly, she said.

The event will also help with awareness and prevention education through a health fair scheduled after the run-walk. Vendors, raffles and entertainment will also be present.

“When people hear the word ‘cancer’ the first thing they think of is death, and we want people to know that’s not always the case,” Valencia said.

Education on signs and symptoms and information on the cancer center’s services will be available.

The run-walk is a family event and people of all ages are encouraged to participate. “Especially the younger generation ... they tend to associate cancer with older people, but cancer can affect anyone,” Valencia said.

As of Friday, about 200 people had signed up. Those interested in learning more about Dash Out For Cancer can call the El Portal Comprehensive Cancer Center at (209) 726-3410.

This story was originally published April 12, 2015 at 5:43 PM with the headline "Run-walk to raise money for Merced cancer patients."