14^th Annual UCSD
Melanoma 5K Walk Set for October 13
Organizers expect to raise $100,000 to fund
important Melanoma research at the Moores UCSD Cancer Center

October 1, 2007

By Regan Olsson and Jade Berggren

Channel 10 News anchor and emcee Bill Griffith with event organizer UCSD Cancer Center Board member Charles F. Gorder, Sr.

Walkers of all ages and fitness levels are invited to join Channel 10 News anchor Bill Griffith in the Bruce Gorder UCSD 5K Walk for Melanoma to benefit the Rebecca and John Moores UCSD Cancer Center.  On Saturday, October 13, participants can enjoy a brisk walk through the UC San Diego campus while taking in the scenic landscape that includes the famous Stuart Collection of public art and fragrant eucalyptus groves. The Walk begins and ends at the Moores UCSD Cancer Center.

This family-oriented walk raises funds to directly support melanoma research at the Moores UCSD Cancer Center.  Malignant melanoma is one of the most virulent and deadly types of cancer.  According to the American Cancer Society, in 2007 approximately 6,860 new cases of melanoma are likely to be diagnosed in California; in San Diego County alone, approximately 755 new cases are expected to be diagnosed.

To date, the annual UCSD Melanoma Walk has raised more than $800,000.  Organized by UCSD Cancer Center Board member Charles F. Gorder, Sr., the 5K walk is a tribute to the memory of his son, Bruce, who succumbed to melanoma at age 37.

“The Melanoma walk is important to my family,” said Charles Gorder, Sr. “Our hope has always been that the funds raised from this event will help fight the battle against this cancer, so that in the future, families won’t have to lose a loved one.”

Gregory Daniels, M.D., is one of the many Moores UCSD Cancer Center physician-scientists who have benefited from this event. “The funds raised by this important event will give us the needed flexibility to build a new or expanded program or design treatments focused on helping people,” said Daniels.  “These resources have been utilized both in the clinic for patient care as well as in the research area.  Having unrestricted funds with the goal of making an enhanced melanoma program is a true gift.”

The Melanoma Walk begins on Saturday, October 13, at 8:00 a.m. at the Moores UCSD Cancer Center, with registration and refreshments.  The walk commences at 9:00 a.m. taking participants through the UCSD campus and back to the center.  Following the walk, Channel 10’s Griffith will lead the program, which includes prize drawings, skin cancer screenings from local dermatologists and education about prevention and early detection.

There is a $30 registration fee and each registered attendee will receive a commemorative event t-shirt.  A new sponsor form is available for walkers to collect pledges in support of finding a cure for melanoma.   For more information and downloadable registration and contribution forms, please visit www.cancer.ucsd.edu/ or contact Jennilyn Tan at 858-822-0023.

Media Contact:
Jade Berggren, 858-822-5309
Regan Olsson, 858-822-3353