Women's Lacrosse Team Participates in Ovarian Cancer 5K Run/Walk

Women's Lacrosse Team Participates in Ovarian Cancer 5K Run/Walk

MILTON, Mass. – On Sunday, September 20, the Women's Lacrosse Team participated in the sixth annual 5k Run/Walk for Ovarian Cancer.  This was the team's third year volunteering and participating in this event.  The squad departed the Curry campus at 5:45 a.m. and headed to Centerville Craigville Beach located on Cape Cod for the "Girlygirl P.A.R.T.S" race to raise awareness for ovarian cancer.

There were over 1000 people this year, including the founders, committee, members of Dana Farber, sponsors from all over, volunteers who helped set up tables and decorations prior to the race, registration, handing out waters and directing runners.  The most important people there were the women who have been battling this devastating disease, those recently diagnosed and survivors.

Girlygirl P.A.R.T.S stands for: Pre-Screening, Awareness, Required, To, Silence…ovarian cancer.  Girlygirl P.A.R.T.S started simply with a discussion between two friends over a cup of coffee in March 2009.  Jill Di-Tommaso, diagnosed with ovarian cancer in February 2008 (still battling) and her wonderful friend, Laura Smith, have become committed to raising awareness about this devastating disease.

Both on a mission and personal triumph for all the ovarian cancer survivors, they have put together now six Cape Cod annual 5k run/walks for the awareness of ovarian cancer, with this year being the biggest event.  At the end of the race, the race director, Trish Martin, announced the race winners, thanked all those who volunteered, participated and donated.  She also introduced the committee who put in many hours and hard work to put together the biggest event yet.  Those battling this disease along with the survivors were also recognized.  Before concluding, Trish announced the amount of donations received which didn't include the sponsors who were selling items with the proceeds going towards the "Girlygirl P.A.R.T.S.  All the proceeds go directly to the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.  This event is a major fundraising event and signature campaign to promote awareness of the often-subtle symptoms of ovarian cancer.