Pink Power Run Raises $600 for Relay for Life

2010 Pink Power Run

10/30/10

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

SPARTANBURG, SC -- More than two-dozen runners braved a brisk fall morning on Saturday to participate in Spartanburg Methodist College's Pink Power Run and raise money for cancer awareness.

A group of supporters also participated in a 1-Mile Fun Walk.

The event raised more than $600 for the college's annual Relay for Life fund-raising drive.

Finishing the 5K in first place was Alex Tozzolino, a sophomore wrestler at SMC, with a time of 21:22. Tozzolino was also presented the Best Overall Runner award.

Spartanburg resident Samantha Wiegand, an elementary school art teacher, received the Best Female Runner award with a time of 23:33.

Runer Seth Brown, an SMC student, finished the race at 24:57 to receive the Best Male Runner award.

Relay for Life is a nationwide program sponsored by the American Cancer Society to raise awareness of cancer and raise money for cancer-related research.

The event was one of two that SMC held this month in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness month.

On Oct. 14, Susan Jordan, a breast cancer survivor and mother of actress Meg Ryan, spoke at an SMC event called "A Night of Hope: Celebrating Breast Cancer Survivorship."

SMC also sponsored the events in honor of its president, Dr. Colleen P. Keith, who in June was diagnosed with breast cancer, and SMC counselor Terrie Ball, who is currently battling cancer as well, along with all those in the SMC community who have fought and/or have been affected by cancer.

"This was a great event. The enthusiasm of the people that came out and their dedication to help fight this disease is so admirable. We're very thankful for everyone who participated in the Pink Power Run and also for everyone who played a part in helping it come together," says Kim Day, SMC director of student activities and leadership development.

"Breast cancer is something that affects so many people, in every walk of life.  The SMC community has experienced that first-hand this year at SMC as Dr. Keith and Terrie Ball have fought this disease and we will continue to be there for them every step of the way. We pray every day for all those who are battling cancer, and their families -- and are hopeful that events like this will put us even closer to finding a cure," Day adds.

Spartanburg Methodist College is in its 100th year of providing quality education to students in a Christian environment. More than 90 percent of SMC graduates continue their education at other institutions of higher learning.

For more information, please director of public information Brian Fulkerson at publicinfo@smcsc.edu or (864) 587-4254.