A Run/Walk With a Purpose: The Ovarian Cancer 5K Sheds Light on the Little-Known Disease

Florida's Third Annual Ovarian Cancer 5K and 1-Mile Walk Borne from One Woman's Continuous Battle

(Press Release, Atlanta, GA, May 8, 2008) --- At 7:30 am on August 16, the gun will go off for the annual Ovarian Cancer 5K & 1-Mile Walk. Founded by Florida native Teresa Rosebrough, the race will be held in Lecanto at the Black Diamond Ranch, just over an hour north of Tampa.

Now in its third year, the 3.1 mile event attracts joggers, walkers and competitors across the state. Teresa Rosebrough, race founder, has helped raise more than $55,000 to date for the Ovarian Cancer Alliance of Florida. This year the 5K is expanding in scope, and hoping to draw more participants than ever. The proceeds will be donated to the Ovarian Cancer Institute at the Georgia Institute of Technology, the leading research center dedicated to finding an early detection method for the disease.

Teresa Rosebrough's Story

I was diagnosed with ovarian cancer at the age of 47. It came as a shock to me and my family. I had no risk factors. I ate properly, ran three to five miles several times per week, and did not drink or smoke. I actually ran five miles just three days before being diagnosed with stage 3C cancer. It's no wonder that it is termed "the silent killer."

Two days after being diagnosed, I underwent an extensive surgery to debulk the malignant tumors in my abdomen. Within one week, I had developed a bowel obstruction and required a second major operation to correct this problem, as well as to remove remaining tumors on my liver and diaphragm.

Following this ordeal, I have undergone three years of chemotherapy with no remission, as well as an additional surgery to remove the recurrent disease. Fortunately, God gave me strength, perseverance, and the inspiration to make something positive out of my situation. Knowing that ovarian cancer has received little money for research, I decided to organize a 5K run. The money from the race was to go directly towards educating women about the signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer and for research to find better ways to treat this disease.

That summer, my friends and I put together the first OC 5K which was a huge success. We had over 500 runners and walkers and raised over $24,000. The second was equally successful. This year we will be sponsoring the Ovarian Cancer Institute (OCI) at Georgia Tech where exciting work is being done to better understand ovarian cancer and to develop novel ways to treat this disease without the severe, debilitating side effects of chemotherapy. My husband, Cliff, and I had the opportunity this spring to spend a few hours touring the OCI lab at Georgia Tech and spoke with the doctors who are passionately working to offer ovarian cancer patients new hope. The five-year survival rate of 30% has not changed in 25 years. Although fewer women will become afflicted with ovarian cancer than breast cancer, it is far less treatable and remains the leading cause of death among gynecologic malignancies. It is my hope that the OC 5K will continue to spread awareness, raise funds, and positively impact the community.

About the Ovarian Cancer 5K & 1-Mile Walk

Now in its third year, the Ovarian Cancer 5K & 1-mile Walk is an annual event in Citrus County, Florida. Teresa Rosebrough, a runner and ovarian cancer patient, founded the race with the intent of spreading awareness about the disease and raising funds for research on preventative measures and effective treatments. Registration is $15 in advance and $20 on he day of the race. For more information, call (352) 637-2475 or visit the website www.citrusroadrunners.org

About the Ovarian Cancer Institute

The Ovarian Cancer Institute (OCI) was established in 1999 as a 501 (c) 3, not-for-profit organization dedicated to finding a reliable early diagnostic test for ovarian cancer, understanding the molecular basis of ovarian cancer and the cause of chemotherapy resistance, leading to the development of more effective therapies for the disease. The Institute's mission is to develop innovative research leading to earlier detection and more effective treatment of the cancer; to provide educational opportunities for medical professionals; and to educate women with respect to the early symptoms of ovarian cancer and to empower them to seek appropriate care immediately. The OCI lab is located on the campus of the Georgia Institute of Technology in downtown Atlanta, GA. For more information, visit www.ovariancancerinstitute.org