This weekend was the third annual FamiliesROC 5K Run/ 1M Walk for Ovarian Cancer Research.
FamiliesROC was founded by the Jorgensen family to support their wife and mother, Brenda, in her fight against Ovarian Cancer; to raise money for research; and to help spread Brenda’s message of the importance of physical fitness in fighting any form of cancer.
This year seems to have been a watershed year for the event. The response was almost three times last year. It was a fabulous day. A day all about family; family fitness; and families supporting each other.
I was honored to have the opportunity to be a volunteer at the event. I volunteered because Brenda’s daughter, Kristen, and my daughter, Caroline, have been friends since middle-school. My daughter couldn’t be there, so I represented her.
I volunteered because cancer affects us all, if not personally, then certainly through a friend or a family member. When was the last time you met someone who hadn’t been affected by cancer?
And I volunteered because a friend is fighting her own battle with Ovarian Cancer right now. I wanted to support her fight – even if from a distance.
Here are a few of my favorite photos of the day.
Kristen and Brenda — two beautiful, strong, powerful fighters, and the founders of FamiliesROC.

My job was to organize volunteers to man all of the “cheering stations” along the route.

After the 5K ended the 1M began. This was when the big groups of families all walked together.

After the racing and walking was over it was time to hang out; listen to music; have refreshments; and enjoy the company.

One of the many, many family groups standing strongly together.

It was a fun day, and not without its share of irreverent humor. May I introduce Dr. Uterus and the Ovaries?

And, my final picture. This was my way of bringing Gina along for the fun.

The FamiliesROC 5K/1M is in the books. Next year is already scheduled and the information is on the FamiliesROC website. September 26th, 2010. Be There.