Register Now for Forrest General Cancer Center Fuel to Fight Cancer 5K, 2-Mile Walk
HATTIESBURG, Miss. – (August 02, 2024) Approximately 16,000 Mississippi residents will learn they have cancer this year and getting to their scheduled treatment may be one of their greatest roadblocks.
Patients undergoing treatment at the Forrest General Cancer Center sometimes need transportation assistance in order to get to their appointments. Providing such assistance is the goal of the Cancer Center’s Fuel to Fight Cancer 5K. In its third year, this year’s run is set for 7:30 a.m., Saturday, October 19, and begins at the Cancer Center, 301 South 28th Avenue. A 2-mile walk has been added to this year’s event.
The course, which starts in front of the Cancer Center, will travel south and make a turn onto Hillendale Drive and wind its way through the streets in the Thames School neighborhood before making its way back to the finish line at the corner of 28th Avenue and Arlington Loop. There will be a police escort for runners. There will also be three water stations along the way.
Funds raised from the run will be administered by the Forrest General Healthcare Foundation which helps support cancer patients as they travel to and from the Hattiesburg facility for treatments. These frequent trips can often create both a financial and logistical burden for the patients and their families.
“Thank you, everyone, for coming together and showing such incredible generosity and support to our cancer patients,” said Shannon Vega, race director, and director of Radiology and the Cancer Center. “Your contributions and coming together to help Fuel to Fight 5k have made a significant impact for our patients. The community’s kindness and commitment in helping fight cancer for the past two years has been truly inspiring. Please join us again this year as we Fuel to Fight cancer.”
The cost to register for the race or the 2-mile walk is $30. Registration includes: bib, running beanie hat, refreshments, and awards in 11 overall categories. Asbury Hospice House will be providing red beans and rice for all participants.
Medals will be awarded in the following male and female age groups – under 19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70-79, Masters, Grand Masters. There will be a cash prize for overall male and female winner.
Race packets can be picked up at the Forrest General Cancer Center from 4-7 pm, Friday, October 18, or 6-7 am, Saturday, October 19.
To register for the race, make a donation, or become a sponsor, visit www.forresthealth.org/fueltofight.
All proceeds will benefit the Forrest General Healthcare Foundation’s Cancer Center Transportation Fund for patients in need. To date, the Fuel to Fight 5K has raised more than $45,000 since the first run two years ago.
For more information, email Shannon.vega@forrestgeneral.com or call 601-288-1625.
About Forrest General’s Cancer Center
Forrest General Hospital Cancer Center ranks among the largest and most sophisticated cancer treatment centers in South Mississippi. It offers a place where patients can receive advanced care in a beautiful, compassionate environment. Forrest General operates the only comprehensive community Cancer Center in the 19-county service area, and is accredited by the College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer. The center features the services of a multidisciplinary team led by medical oncologists/hematologists and radiation oncologists, who provide high quality medical care in a continuum of settings. In addition to medical and radiation oncologists, a complete range of physician specialists provide expertise in diagnoses, surgical removal, disease management and reconstructive procedures.
