A cancer foundation started by a Starkville woman's family will host its tenth annual 5K on Mississippi State University's campus.
Kim C. Gee Ovarian Cancer Foundation aims to spread awareness of ovarian cancer and raise money for research for the American Cancer Association.
Kim C. Gee, for whom the foundation is named, grew up in Starkville. Gee graduated from Starkville Academy, and later graduated from Mississippi State University. She was active as a cheerleader and a member of the homecoming court at Starkville Academy, as well as given the title Miss Starkville Academy. Gee was also a member of Phi Mu Sorority while attending MSU. Because of Gee's love for Starkville, the Kim C. Gee Ovarian Cancer Foundation hosts its 5K at MSU.
This is the foundation's second year partnering with the American Cancer Society. It has donated over $110,000 to the ACS for research. The tenth annual race will be "Fight Cancer Glow Run." This will be an evening run, and participants will receive free glow in the dark gear to sport as they participate.
"This is my second year being involved," said Jana Alfred, the community manager for Relay for Life. "There have been anywhere from 100 to 300 people who have come to the event in the past."
Registration for the race is $15, however, students receive a discount and may register for $10.
"I believe the cause behind this run is important," Alfred said. "A woman's risk of getting ovarian cancer is one in every 75 women. Our site's statistics state that ovarian cancer ranks fifth in cancer deaths among women."
Alfred said she hopes that this year's run will be big, and a lot of participants come together to raise money for ACS and research.
The run will begin on the Junction on campus on Friday, March 31 at 6 p.m. Participants may register at the ACS events website.