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U-M Cancer Center Medical Sponsor for Avon Breast Cancer 3-Day Michigan

Originally posted May 2, 2002

ANN ARBOR, MI -

This spring, the University of Michigan Cancer Center plans to take care of the thousands of walkers who will be working to raise awareness and funds for breast cancer research. As the Avon Breast Cancer 3-Day Michigan official medical sponsors, the U-M Cancer Center, selected by event organizers Pallotta TeamWorks, will provide all first aid care during the event.

From May 31-June 2, more than 3,000 people from the greater Michigan area and across the country will trek 60 miles from Ann Arbor to Farmington Hills for the breast cancer cause. At night, these walkers will camp out in a "mobile city," complete with hot showers, more than 1,500 two-person tents and nightly entertainment.

Walkers off to a great start Friday, May 31st; in Ann Arbor

Throughout the entire event - from the daytime walks to the nighttime camps - medical staff and other volunteers will take care of any medical needs from blisters and sore muscles to providing proper hydration.

"The walk is a healthy way to get people in our community involved in the fight against breast cancer," says Max Wicha, M.D., director of the U-M Cancer Center. "We're proud to be a part of this battle by providing medical support to our community members as they walk towards a cure."

Michael Sabel, M.D., a breast cancer surgeon at U-M who has dedicated his career to the fight against breast cancer, will be the medical director for the Avon Breast Cancer 3-Day Michigan as part of the medical sponsorship. Dr. Sabel will work to coordinate medical team captains and will staff a 24-hour medical tent that is on-site at the mobile city and lunch stops. The teams will also be responsible for any emergency medical care during the walk if such a need arises.

Pallotta TeamWorks President Steve Bennett said the U-M Cancer Center is a natural choice for medical sponsorship, noting how huge the scope of the sponsorship is and how eager the Center has been to help out in the community endeavor.

"When we asked the U-M Cancer Center to help provide medical care, they immediately stepped up to the plate," Bennett said. "Participant safety is our first priority in every 3-Day event - and it is apparent it is the Center's top priority in this community everyday."

Net proceeds from the Avon Breast Cancer 3-Days are managed and disbursed by the Avon Foundation, a non-profit 501(c)(3) accredited public charity, to support access to care and finding a cure for breast cancer. Funds are awarded to leading national cancer centers, medical centers, service organizations and breast health programs in the region of each Avon Breast Cancer 3-Day and nationwide. The mission is to reach medically underserved women, including minorities, the elderly, underprivileged and under- or un-insured women. The funding supports a comprehensive array of medical research into the possible causes, prevention, treatment and cure of breast cancer; clinical care for patients; support services for patients and their families; educational seminars and advocacy training; and non-profit, community-based early detection programs across the country.

The U-M Comprehensive Cancer Center is internationally recognized as a leader in breast cancer research and treatment. Established in 1986, the Center's cancer specialists are dedicated to providing the best care in a state-of-the-art facility, and also to providing patients with the opportunity to participate in studies that will help further improve evaluation, prevention, diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer.

For more information, to get involved with Avon Breast Cancer 3-Day, or to pledge financial support, please call (800) 825-1000.

PHOTOGRAPHS OF THE AVON BREAST CANCER 3-DAY, DAY ONE

The Avon Breast Cancer 3-day walkers were off to a great start in fantastic weather. The following photographs were taken on Huron Parkway, just south of Plymouth Road in Ann Arbor.

 

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