Minority Cancer Awareness Committee Announces Registration Drive

PRESS RELEASE

Committee campaign wants more minorities to get tested all media are asked to attend.  

 LORAIN – April is minority cancer awareness month and the minority cancer awareness committee of Lorain will have a registration drive in collaboration with LCCC Los Unidos to raise money for breast cancer awareness March 18 at Sacred Heart Chapel, 4301 Pearl Ave in Lorain between the hours of 9-1pm.  Registration will be for the LCCC Los Unidos 5K Run for Leadership & Health, which features a 5k run, a one-mile network walk, and a one-fourth mile barefoot dare that will take place at Lorain County Community College (LCCC) April 22 at 9am.  Those who pre-register will have a chance to win an Amazon Kindle Fire. Furthermore, the Los Unidos 5K Run for Leadership & Health will also serve as the closing event of the 17^th Annual Hispanic Leadership Conference held in collaboration with 60 local, state and national organizations working together to create a forum where Hispanic/Latino organizations, advocates and individuals can discuss and address major issues facing the Hispanic/Latino community in Ohio and beyond.

The Los Unidos 5k event will promote the importance of health and leadership, encouraging the community and LCCC family to take a leadership role in promoting better health. That being said, all the proceeds from the one-mile network walk will benefit the Amigas Program, which educates the community on breast cancer awareness, prevention as well as assists those in need of financial assistance for breast cancer tests.

According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Hispanic women are the least likely to be diagnosed with breast cancer, not because of its absence, but because that demographic is the least likely to be diagnosed with breast cancer. Screenings and awareness are less likely within the population as well. The CDC also states African – American woman have the highest death rate for those diagnosed with breast cancer. Although breast cancer is diagnosed 10% less frequently in African American women than White women, African American women are 36% more likely to die from the disease because they are often diagnosed at a later stage making percentage of recovery less. So many deaths can be prevented with awareness and early detection. 

 “I am proud to be advocating in steps toward minority cancer awareness month with our event,” says Gabriel Cruz, chairman of the Lorain County Community College Los Unidos 5K Run for Leadership and Health event.  “All of the proceeds that come from our 1-Mile Network Walk will be benefiting the Amigas Breast Cancer Awareness Program so that they can go out into the community and provide mammograms for women who cannot afford the cost, or are not aware of the serious dangers of breast cancer.”

Nelson Ramirez, a parishioner of Sacred Heart knows the importance of the Amigas program and the influence it has on minority woman. 

“A parishioner and family friend was diagnosed with breast cancer,” he said.  “Fortunately, the Amigas program was available to guide and support her through her treatment and surgery.  As a result, she along with her husband and two beautiful children are on the road to recovery.”

When asked why he has gotten involved with Los Unidos and the Run for Leadership, Tim Carrion a local business owner and community leader said.

“The Run for Leadership brings awareness to the community about health concerns and the importance of focusing on our personal well-being. The proceeds of the event are going to fund local cancer awareness and engaging students and encouraging them to become involved in leadership opportunities. As a former member of Los Unidos I am excited to be part of the team again and I am proud that the group has become such an important organization in our community.”

 With the support of the Los Unidos 5K Run For Leadership & Health title sponsors, the Coalition for Hispanic/Latino Issues and Progress (CHIP), the Cleveland Clinic, and additional support from Lorain County Community College, Arby's, Fligners Supermarket, The Cleveland Indians, Allstate Insurance, Dunkin Donut abbe rd location, WDLW Cool Cat 1380 & The Lorain Rotary Club the Committee’s goal is to register 300 people March 18 at Sacred Heat Chapel but that day is just the beginning. There are tentative dates of April 7, 14, 15 and 20 at various locations, including Fligner’s Supermarket and the Cleveland Clinic Family Heath Center in Lorain. Each registration drive will raise money to help save the life of a neighbor, a friend, a family member in our community. 

If you have questions or requesting registration a form feel free to contact Diane Dismuke Soto 440-258-5742 Director of the Amigas Breast Cancer Awareness Program, Gabe Cruz 440-387-2184, & Ed Morales 440-787-0839, alumni & member of LCCC’s Los Unidos email:losunidos.lccc42@gmail.com.