Tuesday, August 16, 2011

Michael Muhney To Host 14th Annual L.A. Cancer Challenge

The 14th Annual L.A. Cancer Challenge (L.A.C.C.) has tapped THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS star Michael Muhney to host the 5K/10K walk/run and Emmy-Award winning KABC News Health Reporter, Denise Dador to emcee this year's charity race. The L.A.C.C., one of Southern California's largest charity races, will be held on Sunday, October 30 at the Veteran's Administration Grounds in Los Angeles, California. The L.A.C.C. benefits the Hirshberg Foundation for Pancreatic Cancer Research.

For Muhney, this will be his fourth year hosting the city's most popular fall charity race. His commitment to finding a cure derives from the loss of his favorite uncle, who passed away from pancreatic cancer in 2006.  Since then, he has been determined to help create awareness and to raise funds for much needed research.   Muhney plays the role of the charming and shady Adam Newman on the daytime drama, THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS.  On the show, Muhney's character's mother (Hope Adams) died from pancreatic cancer.  If fans would like to make a donation to support Muhney and his efforts to finding a cure for pancreatic cancer, go to http://www.lacancerchallenge.org/michaelmuhney.

This will be Dador's first year emceeing the L.A.C.C.  The Emmy-award winning, KABC News Health Reporter provides stories about health issues on ABC7 EYEWITNESS NEWS.  Focusing on covering health stories daily, she sees the need to help create awareness for various diseases including pancreatic cancer.  Dador has received numerous journalism and community service awards.  She was awarded the Outstanding Health Reporting award from the Southern Christian Leadership Conference and has received the Profiles in Progress award from the American Cancer Society for a series on breast cancer.

Over 44,000 Americans will be diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in the United States and nearly 38,000 will die from the disease as stated by the American Cancer Society: Cancer Facts & Figures 2011 and NCI Funded Research Portfolio.  It still remains the highest mortality rate of all major cancers in the U.S.
  Pancreatic cancer is one of the few cancers for which survival has not improved substantially for nearly 40 years.  94% of pancreatic cancer patients die within five years of diagnosis.  74% of patients die within the first year of diagnosis.

Each year, the L.A.C.C. continues to grow.  More than 5,000 men, women and children of all ages are expected to participate in the 14th Annual L.A. Cancer Challenge; many will be dressed in festive Halloween costumes.  Since its inception, the L.A.C.C. has raised more than $2.6 million for the Hirshberg Foundation for Pancreatic Cancer Research bringing the total dollars raised to over $11 million for pancreatic research. The foundation's relentless commitment to continue funding research projects will subsequently lead to end the incurable cancer.

The public can find out more information or register for the L.A. Cancer Challenge by calling 310-473-5121 or by visiting www.LACancerChallenge.com. Online pre-registration is $35 adults and $15 kids ages 2-13 and is available until mid-night, Friday, October 7.  Late registration ($40 adults/$20 kids ages 2-13) is available until mid-night, Wednesday, October 26. Children under 13-years-old can register to participate in the Kids Can Cure Fun Run by visiting www.KidsCanCure.org.

How else can you help?  Wear purple!  Show support by wearing a purple wristband embossed with the Foundation's motto: You can hope, or you can help Bands are $2.00 each and are sold in packs of 10.  To make purchase or simply make a donation, please visit www.pancreatic.org or call (310) 473-5121.

About the Hirshberg Foundation: Founded in 1997, the Hirshberg Foundation for Pancreatic Cancer Research is a national, non-profit organization dedicated to advancing pancreatic cancer research, and providing information, resources and support to pancreatic cancer patients and their families. Established by Agi Hirshberg, whose husband Ronald died of pancreatic cancer at the age of 54, the foundation includes the Ronald S. Hirshberg Translational Pancreatic Cancer Research Laboratory; the Ronald S. Hirshberg Chair in Translational Pancreatic Cancer Research; and the Hirshberg Pancreatic Cancer Information Center.

3 comments:

  1. I did this event along with Michael last year... a fun time & great cause!
    http://twitpic.com/33xbak

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  2. I hope we'll see you and some of your NYC media colleagues for the Mediabistro Book Club event tomorrow. There may be a soap star or two lurking around! http://bookclubaugny.eventbrite.com/

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