To celebrate Mother’s Day while raising awareness for ovarian cancer, the 12th annual Mother's Day Time to Teal event will be held on Sunday, May 14, at 8 a.m. by the Michigan Ovarian Cancer Alliance (MIOCA).
Time to Teal will consist of a 5k run and a 1K Fun Run/Walk option that will be held in person in Downtown Ann Arbor. There will also be a virtual race option.
“We are looking forward to welcoming all of the community to raise awareness about this disease, celebrate the survivors that will be in attendance, and honor those that we have lost to this cancer,” MIOCA event manager Diann Glaza-Helbling said. “It’s a great opportunity to gather the community and celebrate the teal ribbon.”
The event is to raise awareness of this specific type of cancer and honor those lost to the disease as MIOCA continues its awareness while producing fundraising efforts to raise money for its mission.
MICOA’s mission aims to saves lives by promoting early detection and improved treatment outcomes for ovarian cancer. They raise awareness and provide resources while educating and advocating for Michigan communities affected by this disease.
MIOCA co-founder Geri Fournier lost her battle in 2011, and the event continues to honor her spirit by gathering both survivors and supporters, as well as anyone who has been impacted by ovarian cancer or wishes to support the cause. Pam Dahlmann, the daughter of Fournier, is the co-founder of MIOCA and started this race to honor her late mother and others impacted by ovarian cancer.
“This was Pam’s way of honoring her mother,” Glaza-Helbling said. “She wanted to bring people together to honor her mom, and celebrate those who are mothers while raising awareness of the disease.”
Check-in will begin at 7:00 a.m., approximately an hour before the race starts. It will be followed by a survivor group picture and a zumba warm up. Shortly before the race begins, a welcome from race emcee Robin Murdoch, with guest speakers Rep. Debbie Dingell and Dr. Analisa DiFeo, will take place.
After the race, food and water will be available with a race party at The Grotto where post-race awards and recognition will be given.
You can obtain your gear prior to race day as the pre-race day packet pickup will be held from 12-3 p.m. on May 13 at the Ann Arbor Running Company Store in Ann Arbor, Michigan.
Those interested can register for the run at Time to Teal and can visit MIOCA’s website for additional race information.
