If you see the term ‘5K’ and think, “Running, yuck. How far is that, anyway?” It’s time you reconsidered.
First, 5K is 3.1 miles. Second, chances are good you can walk that far. It will take about an hour. Third, when you sign up for this year’s Kalona Days 5K, you’ll be doing an extra bit of good. You’ll be raising funds for research, increasing awareness of a little-known disease, and supporting your friends, family, and neighbors.
Half of your $25 (early bird) or $35 (after June 1) registration fee will go to research for Invasive Lobular Carcinoma, a type of breast cancer. If you’ve never heard of it, you’re not alone; Tina Hershberger had never heard of it either, until she was diagnosed with it.
When she got that unfortunate news this February, she threw herself into researching the disease. With no significant risk factors and regular, unremarkable mammograms, she was surprised to find herself diagnosed with a rare cancer.
Her research indicated that only 10% of invasive breast cancers are invasive lobular carcinomas, which may require an ultrasound, biopsy, or MRI to detect. However, when she talked with her six cancer-survivor friends, she found most of them had the same type. Was it really so rare after all?
“After giving it some thought, I wanted to try to be transparent and help educate women in our community,” Hershberger said. So she reached out to Tonia Poole, Director of the Kalona Area Chamber of Commerce, to see if she might partner with the Kalona Days Fun Run to raise awareness and research funds.
Hershberger has always been active and has run the Fun Run herself in the past, but she knew it was facing dwindling numbers. Poole said the race has drawn about 50 runners in recent years, down from the 100+ it attracted at its peak. Hershberger wondered if by partnering with the race, she could help bring back some of its former vitality.
Poole readily agreed to use the race to raise funds for cancer research rather than use the registration fees to “keep the lights on” at the chamber, and Hershberger contacted the University of Iowa Center for Advancement for a fundraiser contact. Now that their plans are in motion, all that’s needed is for you to register for the race. Forms are available at the Kalona Chamber office downtown, or online at KalonaChamber.com.
“In the past, the Fun Run has always been just that – a run. It was important to me to modify the run this year to a run-walk so more people feel comfortable participating,” Hershberger said.
Poole agrees that this change was needed; she wants to “encourage people to participate for the cause, even if they aren’t trying to hit their personal best times or race placement.”
Hershberger herself can’t wait to get there to acknowledge and show support for others whose lives have been affected by cancer.
“I plan to walk. I’m hopeful some of my friends will join me. I’ve already talked to our adult children, and I think most of them plan to take part. They are runners, so they can lead the pack. Last year three of our grandchildren ran in the 1-mile race, and they plan to participate again this year,” she said.
“I am hopeful for a good turnout. During the race, I want to acknowledge those who are currently fighting cancer and cancer survivors,” she added. “Also, I hope their friends and families will join us in the run-walk to show support and honor their journey. Or, if there are families who have lost a family member to cancer, I welcome them to walk in their memory.”
Hershberger is receiving treatment and is doing well as she looks ahead to surgery this July. The Fun Run gives her something positive to focus on right now; consider joining her on June 17 for a 3.1 mile walk or run of encouragement and support.