Preparations underway for 13th Marianas March Against Cancer

The Commonwealth Cancer Association is now in the midst of preparations for its signature fundraising event, the 2015 Marianas March Against Cancer, which is set from May 1 to 2 at the Hopwood Junior High School field in Chalan Piao.

Christopher A. Concepcion, vice chairman of the MMAC public relations committee, said the CNMI’s largest annual fundraiser will have teams competing in four categories: Pulan (families), Napu (schools), Puti’un (businesses) and Atdao (non-profit/government agencies).

MMAC is inviting families, businesses, schools, non-profit organizations, and government agencies to participate as teams.

Diana I. Benavente, 2015 MMAC overall committee chair, said two categories such as a school and a business, a school and a non-profit organization, a business and a non-profit organization, and so forth can team up.

Registration fee will be determined by category or combination of categories each team falls under. Competitions include best tent, best baton, most money raised in each category, most luminaries sold, most spirit, and most laps.

“The MMAC is also a time for the community to pay their respects to all those who have been directly affected by cancer. All cancer survivors and those currently undergoing cancer treatment are invited to the annual survivor dinner held in their honor,” Benavente said.

Each survivor will be treated to a complimentary dinner buffet and will be awarded a unique medallion and T-shirt commemorating their fight against cancer.

“This is a very important part of the MMAC. Every one of us knows someone who has been affected by cancer and the survivor ceremony is our chance to celebrate their perseverance and strength,” she said.

Luminaries will also be lit in honor and in memory of loved ones who have survived cancer, currently undergoing treatment, or have lost the fight against cancer. Candles will be lit inside a white bag with each one bearing the name of someone who has been touched by cancer. Each luminary will be sold for $5 and can be purchased from any team or at the MMAC event.

The next meeting will be held on March 4 at 5:30pm at the CCA conference room on Middle Road, Gualo Rai.

Businesses, individuals, and organizations who also wish to support the 2015 MMAC may donate funds, services, or raffle items. Sponsorship levels include title sponsor (donating $3,000 or more), major sponsor (donating $1,000 to $2,999), or supporting sponsorship (donating $1 to $999).

MMAC is also inviting all musicians, bands, dancers, and other performers to show their support by performing live entertainment at the 2015 MMAC. It is on a first-come, first-served basis.

“We raised a substantial amount last year and we hope to match or exceed that this year. With this being the 13th year of the MMAC, we are confident that the community will come out in full force in support of the battle against cancer,” Benavente said.

For more information on the 2015 MMAC, here is a list of contacts:

– For survivors, call committee chair Nora Sablan at 285-5124 or email at norasablan@gmail.com;

– For luminary, call committee chair Jenypy Sambile at 483-4739 or email at jenypysambile@gmail.com;

– For team information, call committee chair Catherine Attao-Toves at 285-1828, Tara White at 483-8272, Bobby Cruz at 287-2792, or Daniel Brown at 287-3276 or email at mmacteams@gmail.com;

– For donations, call committee chair Nola Hix at 989-6652 or email at nola.hix@gmail.com;

– For entertainment, call Benavente at 285-2197 or email at dibenavente@hotmail.com.

Money raised from the Marianas March Against Cancer is used by CCA to promote cancer awareness and prevention, provide patient support services, and serve as the liaison and advocate for cancer issues in the CNMI.

For more information on CCA, visit them at their office or their website at www.ccamarianas.org.