5th Annual Oregon Oral Cancer
Foundation Walk/Run September 12 Corvallis
Kyle
Isaacs BHS, RDHEP
Greetings all dental professionals! Preparations are now underway for the 5th annual Oregon Oral Cancer Foundation walk/5K run and oral cancer screening. This year almost 58,500 Americans will be diagnosed with oral and oropharyngeal cancers, and these diseases will result in 13,500 deaths, killing roughly 1 person per hour, 24 hours per day. Unfortunately, the 5-year survival rate for those newly diagnosed is about 57%, a statistic that has not improved significantly in decades. Oral and oropharyngeal cancers have a higher death rate than many other cancers, but not a lot of people know about or have them on their radar. This is partly why I have dedicated my time and energy to organizing these events, to raise more awareness and to raise much needed funds to support education, research, and to help survivors and their loved ones.
I talk to many people who are newly diagnosed, survivors of several years, family members of survivors and those who have succumbed to the disease. Overwhelmingly, I hear the same story, “I had never heard about this cancer before my diagnosis.” It is my hope that we can continue to increase awareness to not only the disease, but also the importance of annual thorough screening and early diagnosis for best outcomes for patients.
Last year we had 130 people in attendance with three survivors and a family of a young person who succumbed to oral cancer. Katelynn Romviel, a young tongue cancer survivor shared her journey with oral cancer, how it changed her life, and how coaching a teen dance troupe helped save her life. I think I can say, most of us did not have dry eyes. Back by popular demand, we will Brenda Cortez will be creating amazing face art with paint, there will be more amazing raffle prizes, and lots of yummy snacks. As of now we have: $200 Amazon card from Cloud Dentistry, a 6-month family membership to the YMCA in Albany, worth more than $600, two water flossers, an electric toothbrush, a massage, a beautiful, framed photo of the Mission Mountains in Montana and more.
We have already raised $5600 with our goal to raise $15,000 through sponsorship from Corvallis Dental Group, CariFree, Capitol Dental, Willamette Dental, Elevate Oral Care, BioGaia, and Aseptico. We would be grateful for any sponsorship or donations you would like to make which are 100% tax deductible.
At the event there will be a
contest for the biggest team, the person who raises the most money, and the
team that raises the most money. We will again be doing free head and neck
screenings and will enjoy a beautiful walk/run along the Willamette River in
Willamette Park. So, don’t hesitate, register now and save the date, Saturday
September 12th. You can contact Kyle at 541-740-4694 or
kjulin@gmail.com
List of raffle items:
