Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes ofwebsite accessibility

Ovarian cancer awareness run goes virtual, aims for New York runners & in each state


Teal Ribbon Run race beanie (PHOTO: Courtesy of Hope for Heather Ovarian Cancer Awareness)
Teal Ribbon Run race beanie (PHOTO: Courtesy of Hope for Heather Ovarian Cancer Awareness)
Facebook Share IconTwitter Share IconEmail Share Icon

September 26th would have been the 12th time thousands of runners and walkers went to the starting line to support Hope for Heather Ovarian Cancer Awareness.

The pandemic has forced the organization to make the Teal Ribbon Run virtual this year.

September is National Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month.

The co-founder of the non-profit said there is a positive effect.

"Being virtual, we can reach so many more people," said Frieda Weeks, executive director of Hope for Heather. " Anywhere in the world."

Ovarian cancer is often misdiagnosed or goes undetected until later stages, according to the Mayo Clinic.

The difficulty to diagnose is just one of the reasons Weeks and the Hope for Heather team have spent countless hours over the years sharing information about the signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer.

Weeks said the pandemic has hurt the organization's fundraising and awareness efforts. The group is now using social media more to send out education material.

Hope for Heather postponed its annual fashion show this past April. Its annual booth at the New York State Fair is also off this year's schedule due to the cancellation of the event.

Runners and walkers are being given added incentives this year when it comes to fundraising.

“If you raise $250, you get your choice of a really cool winter beanie or winter scarf," Weeks said.

CNY Racing has been designing gear for Hope for Heather for years now and have also worked on this year's hat, scarf, light-up band and pint glass.

Individuals who race more than $1,000 will be eligible for one of the limited resort vouchers to the Caribbean.

This year, people are encouraged to also register their dogs for the pet walk. It costs $10 and pets will receive a commemorative Teal Ribbon Run kerchief to wear.

Participants can also upload their race times to compare with other registered runners.

Photos and videos taken while doing the virtual run and walk can be posted to social media. Hope for Heather is asking people to use the hashtag, #TealRun2020.

With the goal of getting thousands in Central New York and across New York state registered, Weeks said she is hoping to get at least one person living in each state to register this year.

Runners and walkers will have between Sept. 26 and Oct. 2 to complete the 10K or 5K distance, or the 3K walk.

For more information about Hope for Heather, click here.

To register for the Teal Ribbon Run, click here.

Signs & Symptoms of Ovarian Cancers:

-Abdominal bloating

-Discomfort in the pelvis area

-Feeling full immediately when eating

-Constipation or other changes in bowl movements

-An urgency to urinate often

-Weight loss

Loading ...