Garrettsville – Registration is underway for the 1st annual Garrettsville Summerfest 2011 5k run and 1 mile fun run/walk. This all road race to benefit glioma childhood cancer research will take place on Sunday, June 26th at 9 a.m. Event organizer, Jacob Vaughn and his assistant Diana Morris invite everyone to participate. All proceeds will benefit Friends of Melana, an organization set up to find the causes, treatments and cure for glioma childhood cancer.Friends of Melana was named after Melana Matson who was a young girl from Garrettsville who in 2009, was diagnosed with glioma cancer. Melana was only 9 years old. She lost her battle just 10 months after her diagnosis with glioma cancer. In Melana’s memory and for those affected by this disease, Friends of Melana is a foundation dedicated to helping fund the fight for childhood glioma cancer. Glioma cancer is the second highest cause of cancer deaths in young people; 85-95% of children who are diagnosed with a malignant glioma tumor die within five years. It is badly underfunded by major cancer societies. The Children’s Glioma Cancer Foundation is dedicated to funding global research into the causes, prevention, treatments, and cure for the dealiest childhood brain tumors known as gliomas. This race is in memory of Melana, participation in this race means 100% of the proceeds go to Friends of Melana.Free beverages will be provided during and after the race. A post-race party is being planned for all race participants. Prizes include medals for top place finishers of the 5K Run (1st, 2nd and 3rd) in each age group (8-14, 15-19, 19-24, 25-34, 35-45, 46-57, and 58+)If you would like to contribute, but are not able to participate in the walk/run, consider sponsoring a lady bug mile marker. These markers will be placed along the race route. Contact Jacob at 330 632-0072 for more information. Registration has begun and you must register on-line at www.summerfest5k.eventbrite.com or follow the link from garrettsvillesummerfest.com.You must be one of the first 200 racers pre-registered by June 10th to guarantee your t-shirt. Cost is $20. Race day registration is available for $25, t-shirts not guaranteed. Anybody can come for 1 mile, competitive or notIf you have any questions about this race, please contact Jacob Vaughan at jacob_vaughan@yahoo.com or (330) 632-0072. For more information or inspiration please visit www.stopkidscancer.org.
