May is Marianas March Against Cancer month

Gov. Juan N. Babauta has proclaimed the week of May 8-14 as Marianas March Against Cancer Week.

Saipan Mayor Juan B. Tudela, Department of Public Health Secretary James U. Hofschneider, and other government officials witnessed the proclamation signing at the Joeten Shopping Center in Susupe Wednesday.

Officials from major sponsors Verizon and J.C. Tenorio Enterprises were also present at the proclamation signing.

Breast cancer survivor Victoria Vaughn read the proclamation before the governor signed it. She said the 2005 Marianas March Against Cancer Week aims to create heightened awareness of cancer, one of the leading causes of death of men and women in the Commonwealth every year and the second leading cause of death annually in the United States.

She said it is important to know that the sooner the cancer is discovered and the sooner treatment is done, the better are the chances for the victims to live for many years.

Public relations coordinator Frank M. Eliptico said participants in the upcoming Marianas March Against Cancer are encouraged to walk, run, or even dance around the course over a 12-hour period allotted for the event.

The March would be held at the Hopwood Junior High School racetrack in San Antonio from the eve of May 13 through the break of dawn on May 14.

Eliptico said there would be fun activities throughout the night and into the morning. The activities would include musical entertainment, dance performances, and other fun events.

The Marianas March Against Cancer, he said, will also honor cancer survivors and those who lost the fight to the Big C.

Eliptico said there would be a special survivor’s lap at the beginning of the race and a service featuring hundreds of candles placed around the track.

“It is an unforgettable ceremony honoring those who have won the fight against cancer and remembering those who are no longer with us,” he said.

CCA chair Hans Mickelson said the upcoming March is hoped to surpass the funds they raised last year. The group is targeting to raise at least $70,000, compared to last year’s $65,000.

MMAC chair Reyna Malone hopes the community would show their concern for cancer sufferers by donating what they can to help the victims survive the deadly disease.

For more information on the Marianas March Against Cancer, contact Reyna Malone at 287-3652 or Tricia Tudela at 234-5498 ext. 1551.

The event is aimed at helping DPH and the Commonwealth Cancer Association educate the local community about cancer and the need for research funding, early detection methods, effective treatments, and prevention programs.