Walk the walk
Cancer is cancer, no matter where in the body it’s located. On Jan. 9 at Tara Woods off U.S. 41, benefitting 4 Words Foundation and 21st Century CARE will host a Facial Hair for Causes 5K run from 8 a.m. to noon, with all the net proceeds staying in Southwest Florida to support cancer awareness, education and patient financial assistance for all cancers.
Marie Springsteen, a cancer survivor, founder of 4 Words and Tara Woods resident, said her company and 21st Century CARE share a lot of events because their missions are similar in that they assist people with all kinds of cancer.
“We give awareness to get their screening, awareness, paying for biopsies, things like that. Tara Woods is a beautiful place, a great place to hold an event, and there aren’t many of these events in North Fort Myers,” Springsteen said.
The event will start with a timed 5K run with walkers following behind in support of men’s cancer awareness.
WINK-TV’s Corey Lazar will emcee the event. Pink Heals Southwest Florida will bring its pink fire truck in support, and First Watch restaurant will bring coffee and fruit to the participants and volunteers.
Also, 4 Words started the mustache promotion in November, which is typically Men’s Cancer Awareness Month. Men have been growing their best mustache or beard (or wore a fake one) during November and December, with many expected to register for the walk to support men’s cancer awareness.
Afterward, they will announce the winners for the best, sexiest and most disturbing facial hair, with prizes for the winners.
“We wanted to take it a little further. Many people can’t grow mustaches but can grow beards. We said November for the mustaches, beards in December and the ending of the event in Janu-hairy,” Springsteen said.
Sign-ups have been slow so far, with only about 30, which is to be expected, Springsteen said, as many runners tend to wait until the last minute before signing up. She hopes many will do so as she has promoted the event as far north as Punta Gorda.
“We’re trying to raise money to continue our mission in the area,” Springsteen said. “Because it’s a first-year event, we’re hoping to raise $5,000. You start small and build from there.”
The pre-registration fee through Jan. 6 is $25 for adults and $15 for youths 17 and under, with children under 5 free.
After Jan. 6 it’s $30 for adults, $20 for youths. The first 100 people to register online will receive a free T-shirt and gift bag. You can register online at www.4wordsfoundation.org or www.21stcenturycare.org.
For full details, contact Marie Springsteen at 887-9264 or visit online at: www.4wordsfoundation.org.