HealthWise
A Community Service of
Covenant Health
Week of November 8, 1999 Page 1
BUDDY'S Race Against Cancer Benefits Community
Outreach Efforts to the Medically Under-served



Also See:

  • Anderson County American Heart Walk: Nov. 13 (11/08)

  • Your Guide to Crime and Drug Abuse (11/08)

  • November School of Good Health (11/01)

  • BUDDY's Race Against Cancer - Official Website

  • Thompson Cancer Survival Center


    • t is estimated that approximately one in four people will be diagnosed with some form of cancer in their lifetime. Although strides are being made in the survival rates of most types of cancer, the key to success is early detection. When cancer is diagnosed early, the chances of long-term survival are greatly improved.

    On Sunday, Nov. 14, at 3 p.m., runners and walkers of all ages will participate in the sixth annual BUDDY'S Race Against Cancer. This 5K walk/run is held to raise money for the cancer outreach programs provided by the Thompson Cancer Survival Center. These programs include mobile mammography, free and low-cost mammograms to the medically under-served, prostate cancer screenings, and educational programs provided throughout the region.

    The 1998 BUDDY'S Race Against Cancer raised over $173,000 to support the TCSC outreach department's efforts. Because 100 percent of the funds raised stay within our community, the outreach services department can see first hand that the medical needs of people in this region are met.

    "In visiting the rural areas we cover with our mobile mammography unit, we see women that would not have had access to mammography, breast health care, and basic medical education," said Janet Freeman, Thompson Cancer Survival Center's outreach services team leader. "The funds raised by the BUDDY'S Race Against Cancer provide us with the tools to access the medically under-served," she added.

    The outreach services department also has the opportunity to work with other community partners in an effort to reach people that do not have access to basic medical care. "Working with other community partners helps bridge the contact between outreach services and people in need," says Freeman. She adds, "We are so fortunate to be able to work with the Interfaith Clinic, Remote Area Medical, Reachout, Incorporated, the Love Kitchen, and others so we can provide our services to people that would not have had proper access to medical care."

    How can you participate? Entry forms can be picked up at any BUDDY'S bar-b-q location and BI-LO stores. Entry fees for the Race Against Cancer are $12 prior to race day and $15 on race day. You can also purchase a "Be A Buddy" coupon, in honor or memory of a friend or loved one fighting this disease, at all BUDDY'S bar-b-q locations for a $1 donation.

    For those unable to participate in the run/walk event, the BUDDY'S annual auction gala will be Friday, Nov. 12, at the Thompson Cancer Survival Center. Both silent and live auction items will be featured.

    Event sponsor BUDDY'S bar-b-q, media sponsors Knoxville News-Sentinel, WBIR-TV Channel 10, and WIVK, and major sponsors BI-LO, The Chop House, Comcast, Chops Grill, Knoxville Coca-Cola, and Ted Russell Ford present this year's race and auction events. For additional information on the race and auction, please call (865) 541-1227 or visit our website at www.buddysrace.org.

    Anderson County American Heart Walk: Nov. 13

    This year's Anderson County American Heart Walk will be Saturday, Nov. 13 at Melton Park Marina, presented by Methodist Medical Center of Oak Ridge (MMC). Registration begins at 8 a.m. and the walk will commence at 9 a.m.

    The three-mile walk benefits the American Heart Association (AHA) in its fight against America's leading cause of death, cardiovascular disease. Last year's AHA events, which included the Heart Walk, enabled Tennessee to receive $3.2 million in funding for cardiovascular research and education.

    Last year's Anderson County Walk raised $12,189. This year's goal has been set for $25,000. Dan Bonk, chief administrative officer and president of MMC, said the hospital is proud to sponsor this year's walk because in Tennessee more than 21,000 people die yearly of cardiovascular disease. "AHA statistics show that 40 percent of all deaths in Anderson County resulted from heart disease. Heart disease strikes all ages, genders, and races," Bonk said. A total of 18 teams participated in last year's event, in which participants wore signs identifying the names of loved ones and friends in whose honor they were walking. Teams collecting sponsorship donations are still needed for the 1999 walk. Teams can be formed through businesses, churches, or groups of friends. Individual walkers are also welcomed.

    For more information on the Anderson County American Heart Walk, please contact Christy Davenport, AHA regional director, at 588-7646.

    Your Guide to Crime and Drug Abuse

    For a free guide to crime and drug abuse prevention call 673-FORT.

    The guide features information on setting up a neighbor watch program, how to protect yourself and your home, how to recognize illegal drugs, how to prevent domestic and child abuse, and much more.

    The guide is a service of the Knox County Sheriff's Department and local business and industry.


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