Elizabeth Smith, whose battle with cancer inspired the 5k run and walk.The “ABCDE of melanoma”
* Asymmetry* Border irregular* Color uneven* Diameter greater than a pencil eraser* Evolution – changing melanoma
When Elizabeth Smith was vacationing with her family at Niagara Falls, her shoulder began to bother her.
When she returned home, she was diagnosed with stage 2 melanoma. Surgery removed the cancer, her doctors thought. However 20 years later, the cancer returned and she passed away May 10, 2009 – Mother’s Day.
Smith’s melanoma diagnosis and story began in 1989, however today skin cancer is the most common cancer and affects men and women of all ages. Melanoma causes the most skin cancer deaths.
To help raise awareness and funds, CHI Memorial Foundation and Volkswagen are presenting the fourth annual Elizabeth’s Outrun Melanoma 5k and Walk Saturday, May 7 at the Wolftever Creek Greenway in Collegedale. This is a family-friendly event that can be done as a timed 5k run or a relaxing 1-mile walk.