Oct. 20, 2004

Carol LeBeau to Emcee
UCSD Melanoma 5K Walk

Walkers of all ages and fitness levels are invited to join KGTV news anchor Carol LeBeau for the UCSD Melanoma 5K Walk for a Cure on November 6. The walk traverses the scenic UCSD campus in La Jolla and features the outdoor artwork of the Stuart Collection.

Sun God by Niki de Saint Phalle - Stuart Collection, UCSD

This family-oriented walk raises funds to support melanoma research, treatment and education at the Rebecca and John Moores UCSD Cancer Center. This year, event organizers have set a goal to raise $100,000.

The walk is organized by UCSD Cancer Center Foundation Board member Charles F. Gorder, Sr. as a tribute to the memory of his son, Bruce, who succumbed to melanoma at age 37.

“My son battled melanoma for years, but lost his fight in 1992, leaving behind his widow, Vicki, and his daughter, Gabrielle,” Gorder said. “His family, many friends and other supporters are committed to doing all that we can to help find the cure for melanoma. We hope others will join us in this cause.”

Malignant melanoma is one of the most virulent and deadly types of cancer. This year, approximately 5,770 new cases of melanoma will be diagnosed in California; in San Diego alone there will be approximately 660 new cases. 

The event begins at 8:30 a.m. at the Sun God statue, with registration and free refreshments. At 9 a.m. there is a children’s 100-yard dash, and the 5k walk begins at 9:15 a.m. Following the walk, LeBeau will lead the program, which will include prize drawings, skin cancer screenings, and education about prevention and early detection. There is no registration fee, but donations, which are entirely tax deductible, are gratefully accepted.

Sun God t-shirts will be awarded to the first 200 registrants who raise or donate $25 or more ($10 or more for children 12 and under).

Each year, Gorder matches the first $25,000 raised by this event.

For details, contact the UCSD Cancer Center Foundation office at 858-822-0023.