In December of 2007, Maureen T O'Hara, the oldest of 11, was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in it's later stages. Unfortunately for women, still to this date, there is no screening to check for early detection of ovarian cancer. Maureen, being an advocate for others her entire life, sought every opportunity to help those around her.
Maureen passed away from the disease in July of 2012 but not before leaving her mark on the ovarian cancer community.
The summer of 2009, Maureen founded "Teal There's a Cure 5k Run/Walk" to raise funds and awareness for ovarian cancer.
True to her life's mission, even while undergoing chemo and fighting the disease, she devoted her last years spreading awareness/information about the subtle symptoms of ovarian cancer and worked tirelessly to make THIS event a success---raising funds for research and initiating a vision whereby fewer women would suffer from the disease. In her memory, her family and a wonderful group of volunteers have continued to organize the annual event.
To this date, the now named "Maureen T O'Hara Teal There's a Cure 5k Run/Walk" has raised over $300,000 for ovarian cancer research for the Ovarian Cancer Research Fund Alliance, Graces CNY Support Group for Women with Ovarian and Gynecologic Cancers, and Upstate Cancer Center.
The race, up until now, has been in Upstate New York, where Maureen was from. Her nephew, Mike of Austin is now bringing it down to Texas, as well. While the New York race celebrated its 11th annual run this summer, Austin will host it's second on January 25th, 2020!
Through the Austin run, 100% of our proceeds raised will go directly to Ovarcome, a 501 (c)3 nonprofit based out of Houston, TX-- towards their programs helping ovarian cancer patients in need of financial assistance and towards research to find a cure. Please visit their website here to see the many ways they have helped contribute to find a cure for, and help women all over the world with, ovarian cancer.
Through your help and participation, we're hopeful to continue the fight for a cure and play an integral role in funding research while also raising awareness for ovarian cancer. Many thanks, from the entire O'Hara and Ovarcome family!
Kids that are age 10 and under who are not ready to run a 5k are encouraged to join the Kid's Dash which will be an estimated 1k loop. Parents are welcomed to run along with the kids to help bring them across the finish line.
PERKS TO RUNNING THIS RACE:
- Comfy dri-fit race shirt.
- Swag bag filled with great local business' swag and coupons.
- You're contributing to a great cause that hopefully, potentially, and sooner than later will save a lot of mothers, sisters, and daughters!
