Runners gather to raise money for ovarian cancer research
One of the first things you read on the Norma Livingston Ovarian Cancer Foundation website is “Making a difference for mothers, daughters, sisters and friends.” On Aug. 27, the Foundation held its 12th annual Save the O’s 5k in an effort to make that difference.
The race, which took place in the Greystone Golf and Country Club, is designed to raise money for ovarian cancer research and to recognize those who have fought against the illness.
“My first wife, Laura Johnson, died in 2004 so we started [the Save the O’s 5k] in her honor,” said former president and current board member Johnny Johnson. “All of the money this year goes to the Norma Livingston Ovarian Cancer Foundation.”
The NLOCF was formed after Lori Livingston lost her mother, Norma, to ovarian cancer. According to their website, she was “diagnosed too late, with the chances of survival slim.” Upon realizing that many other women shared a similar story to her mother's, Lori created the NLOCF in 2004 with a mission to “raise funds for ovarian cancer research and to increase awareness about the risks, symptoms and treatments of this disease.”
This year’s race featured a silent auction that included many locally donated items, such as luxury vacations, autographed footballs and a group beer tasting, as well as 350 participants. On the men’s side, the top three overall finishers were Gideon Waithera in a time of 19:31.20; Blake Childers in 21:41.50; and Tommy Payson in 21:59.2. The top three women’s finishers were Callie Covington in 25:06.9; Sarah Calcatera in 25:43.2; and Beth Bailey in 26:35.1.
Last year’s race raised a total of $40,000, but this year, organizers hoped to raise at least that much, if not more, to donate to the Foundation for ovarian cancer research.
“I absolutely love [this event],” said Todd Makofski, Fitness Director of Greystone Golf and Country Club and event volunteer. “We’ve all got mothers, daughters, sisters, and you never know if something like this could happen to them.”
One of the easiest ways to support ovarian cancer research is to purchase an ovarian cancer car tag from your local DMV, the proceeds of which go to the University of Alabama at Birmingham Hospital. To read more on the Normal Livingston Ovarian Cancer Foundation, visit nlovca.org.