iLovetheburg is supporting the Celma Mastry Ovarian Cancer Foundation to launch the organization’s 3rd Annual One Step Closer to the Cure 5k Run/Walk on Saturday, September 14th at Albert Whitted Park (480 Bayshore Drive SE) starting at 7am! The event hosts several types of fun challenges for all age groups that range from the 5k Run/Walk, the 1-Mile Fun Run, and the Overcoming Obstacles Challenge course. This is a very important fundraiser for the Celma Mastry Ovarian Cancer Foundation and 100% of the proceeds go to sponsoring research that assists in the development of an early ovarian cancer detection test, prevention education within the community, and financial assistance to patients fighting ovarian cancer.

The American Cancer Society estimates that there will be over 15,000 women that will die from ovarian cancer and 22,000 new cases diagnosed this year alone. Ovarian cancer is the fifth leading cause of cancer-related deaths in women age 35 to 74, and an estimated one woman in 71 will develop ovarian cancer during her lifetime.

Claudette, who works with Celma Mastry, shared a recent success story. “The Foundation was able to financially assist a young mother of 3 children currently in chemo treatment. She received her check yesterday and couldn’t believe (that) we helped her pay her personal expenses… she would cry as soon as she dialed the number but her husband thanked the Foundation and relayed his gratitude to the members of the board as we helped relieve some stress in their lives. I am not sure how a patient of ovarian cancer can concentrate on fighting when she is worried about finances.”

Celma Mastry is an all-volunteer organization that was founded in 2003 by family and friends of Celma Mastry to help other women who are fighting ovarian cancer. Celma was not diagnosed until late in the disease and was a talented leader in the community who gracefully chaired numerous non-profit committees that enhanced the entire Tampa Bay area. She died of ovarian cancer in 2004, but her spirit lives on in the Foundation’s mission statement: To unite family, friends and community to fight ovarian cancer.

Over 1,400 participants are expected. For more information or to register please check out the event’s website, facebook page, or call 863-381-2034.

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