Oregon Cancer Foundation
When breast cancer survivor Kelly Barton invited the community to participate in the second annual My Breast Friends 5K/10K, she wanted two things to happen: to have a lot of fun and to raise $15,000 to support Oregon Cancer Foundation (OCF). Kelly is proud to say that the event accomplished both goals!
“With any event, there’s always a concern that the second year won’t have the same excitement as the first year, but it did,” Kelly says. “It was awesome to see 215 people show up dressed for the ’80s theme, and we had just as much fun as last year, if not more.”
Kelly kicked off the race at Alton Baker Park in Eugene alongside fellow cancer survivors—a moment she says was incredibly special and inspiring. After tallying the proceeds, the event raised $17,000 to support local cancer survivors through OCF.
“Cancer touches a lot of people, and there are so many expenses that survivors face after diagnosis. It can make you feel powerless at times,” Kelly says. “By donating the proceeds of our event to the Oregon Cancer Foundation, we know the money stays in Lane County and helps survivors in real, tangible ways.”
In addition to the race, participants posed for photos at the “My Why Station” where they could write down the names of people who inspired them to get involved. For Kelly’s brother-in-law, Brian Mullan, he participated in honor of Kelly and his twin sisters, Leigh and Laurie, who are all breast cancer survivors, and to remember his sister Karen who lost her fight with cancer.
Brian Mullan (left) poses for a photo of his “why,” alongside Kelly Barton (middle) and his wife, Sandi (right).
Kelly is grateful to all her friends and family who helped her organize this year’s event, and she is thankful for everyone who attended and raised money for the cause. She is already brainstorming ideas for next year!
