A first time event surrounding such a worthy cause will take place this summer. The Women Survivors Alliance (WSA) will be hosting the Celebrate Survivors 5K and the National Women Survivor’s Convention in Nashville, Tennessee.
The convention runs from August 22-24, 2024 and the 5K is Saturday, August 24 at 7:00am. In a press release issued recently, the WSA stated they are issuing a national call for women affected by all types of cancer. The intention of the conference is to help women improve their quality of life, embrace their new life, and help others. The convention aims to bring together survivors, caregivers, family members, and health care providers.
The 5K is expected to have a casual tone, with many of the participants expected to be from the convention. However, the race is open to all. Many are expected to jog or walk the event, yet organizers are anticipating some avid runners to attend as they plan to run in celebration or in memory of a cancer patient.
The 5K was included in these weekend events as a way to bring a message about survivorship, and is expected to draw about 200 participants.
“There are nearly 7 million women survivors in the US alone. The Women Survivors Alliance (WSA) has undertaken a national call to action to address the burdens of survivorship issues on women, their families, and by extension, society as a whole,” said Karen Shayne, Founder Women Survivors Alliance/National Women’s Survivors Convention.
Additionally Shayne stated that, “It’s about empowerment, but also an opportunity for an emotional opportunity for co-survivors to express honor to those who have been in the fight.”
When asked if running was an important part of healing, Shayne explained that it’s very symbolic for many survivors.
“For some it is a goal of their final return to health to participate and for others it is symbolism of achievement that they have finally ‘crossed the finish line’ from treatment to survivorship,” said Shayne.
This is the first year for this event and the WSA expects to expand into other territories in 2024.
The 5K event has the backing of the city of Nashville and its leaders as well. The Mayor, Karl Dean, shared his thoughts regarding the convention and 5K.
“I am pleased that Nashville was chosen to host this inaugural event that will bring 2,000 cancer survivors together for a celebration of life,” Mayor Dean said. “We are a vibrant city with a great sense of optimism about our future, and I hope the attendees feel that while they are here.”
Those interested in this inaugural 5K and convention can register online here.
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