More than 5,000 Gather to Celebrate and Support Survivorship
at Memorial Sloan-Kettering's Rock & Run on the River

NEW YORK -- June 7, 2009 -- A total of more than 5,000 runners, walkers, survivors, and supporters turned out at Hudson River Park's Pier 84 today for Memorial Sloan-Kettering's third annual Rock & Run on the River 5K and survivorship celebration.

"Rock and Run was a wonderful day to support and honor survivors," said Mary McCabe, RN, director of MSKCC's Cancer Survivorship Initiative. "The turnout was overwhelming, including Sloan-Kettering staff, survivors and their families, and people from all over the tri-state area who came out to enjoy the celebration."

Rock & Run benefits Memorial Sloan-Kettering's Cancer Survivorship Initiative, a comprehensive program of research, services, and post-treatment care designed to address the challenges faced by cancer survivors and their families.

McCabe noted that the beautiful spring weather enhanced the festive mood at the event. "It was spectacular day and an exciting experience -- an event that brought so many people together to share their emotions and their hope for the future," she said. "We at Memorial Sloan-Kettering are committed to assuring the highest quality of life possible both for our patients, and for patients across the nation as they make the transition from active treatment to survivorship."

Dr. Kevin C. Oeffinger, director of MSKCC's program for adult survivors of pediatric cancer, kicked off the festivities with a pre-race address to thousands of runners who assembled at the starting line. Dan Abrams, chief legal analyst for NBC news, served as host of the post-race celebration. Highlights included brunch, live music, children's activities, massage therapy, fitness classes, and a private area for survivors. The event T-shirt was created by fashion designer Carmen Marc Valvo.

"I've run several marathons," said participant Steve Olsen, "but I felt more accomplished finishing Rock and Run than I did for any of the many races I've run. It brought me so much joy to do something that I love to benefit survivorship programs at the hospital that took such good care of me."

Rock & Run participants collected donations for the Survivorship Initiative though individual and team fundraising campaigns conducted via the event's Web site. By the morning of the event, Rock & Run had generated more than $500,000 in support of the Cancer Survivorship Initiative.  Fundraising will continue throughout the summer, and supporters can add to the total by making a donation at http://www.rockandrunontheriver.org/ until August 31.

Visit http://www.rockandrunontheriver.org/ for more information.

About the Cancer Survivorship Initiative
Memorial Sloan-Kettering's Cancer Survivorship Initiative is a model program providing a full range of comprehensive medical services designed to provide continuity of care, from active treatment through follow-up. It employs a team approach that assures cancer survivors continued access to MSKCC's expertise. This expert care is combined with an array of services, including physical rehabilitation, nutrition counseling, and psychological support, all guided by MSKCC's pioneering clinical research. For more information, visit MSKCC's Living Beyond Cancer Web site.

About Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center
Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center is the world's oldest and largest institution devoted to prevention, patient care, research, and education in cancer. Since 1884, MSKCC has led the way in generating new insights into the disease and has gained unequaled expertise in diagnosing and treating cancer in all its forms. MSKCC's specialists are leaders in biomedical research and in translating the latest research to advance the standard of cancer care worldwide.

For more information, visit http://www.mskcc.org/.

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