Event to Raise Cancer Awareness and Put a Smile on Your Face

Nearly 22,000 new cases of ovarian cancer were diagnosed in the United States last year, according to the American Cancer Society.

That number may seem small given the nation’s entire population but consider it another way: at that rate, it would mean that the entire populations of Fox Point and Bayside combined would have to be diagnosed with ovarian cancer each year, twice.

But instead of just lamenting about its impact, local residents are taking a stand at Laura’s Smile Mile, an event aimed to raise awareness about ovarian cancer.

The Saturday event, held at Veterans Park, 1010 North Lincoln Memorial Dr. in Milwaukee from 10:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m., includes a 5k run/walk, activities for children and post-race entertainment, as well as food and drinks.

Fox Point residents Alexis Boyd and her husband Brian are participating in Laura’s Smile Mile for the first time this year. And their reason for doing so is simple.

“(Raising awareness about this disease is) extremely important (because) ovarian cancer affects so many families,” explains Alexis.

The proximity of those affected by the disease cannot be denied, she continues. In fact, the Boyds are doing the run/walk as part of a larger group of friends calling themselves “Pennies for Grandma,” named after the mother of a close friend who lost her life to ovarian cancer.

And this isn’t just a disease women should take a stand against either, says Alexis. Many men too, like her husband and others in the “Pennies for Grandma” group, are involved in the event for the simple fact that ovarian cancer “affects the women in their lives that they care for.”

As part of the Laura’s Smile Foundation, the Laura’s Smile Mile event and foundation are named after Laura David, who, as a young woman at the age of 23, was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 2004, just three short months after her wedding. Organizers say throughout her vigorous battle against the cancer known as “the silent killer,” Laura keept an unforgettable smile on her face that inspired many others.

Foundation secretary Cassie Simpson has known Laura throughout her diagnosis and treatment. “She was diagnosed in the later stages of the cancer and has undergone numerous chemotherapy treatments, a stem cell transplant and several surgeries,” explains Simpson.  “She is one of the strongest people I know and that strength has allowed her to continue her battle of the disease for close to seven years with the loving support of her friends and family.”

Laura continues to battle ovarian cancer to this day.

It’s extremely important for women to be vigilant against ovarian cancer, adds Simpson. “The symptoms are subtle thus there is also great importance around making women aware and proactive with their medical care,” she says.

Created in 2006, Laura’s Smile Mile had about 300 participants in its first year. “Last year we had close to 700 participants and we are already close to that number in pre-registrants, so we are on our way to surpassing last year,” says Simpson. “Last year, we were able to donate over $15,000 to an organization that supports ovarian cancer awareness and research and we are aiming to donate more this year!”

For more information about the foundation and how to participate in Laura’s Smile Mile Saturday, visit the group’s site here.