Gail Parkins Memorial Ovarian Cancer Walk and 5k Run

RALEIGH (WTVD) -- The Gail Parkins Memorial Ovarian Cancer Walk and 5K Run returns to Sanderson High School on Saturday, September 21.

Proceeds from the event go towards ovarian cancer research at Duke University Medical Center.

If you plan to participate, here's what you can expect this weekend.

• 7:30 am: Onsite Run Registration
• 8:30 am: Run Begins
• 9:30 am: Educational Forum
• 10:30 am: Walk Begins

Lunch and award presentations will follow the walk.

The mission of the Ovarian Cancer Walk

Ovarian cancer was once known as a "silent killer" since it typically wasn't found until it had spread to other areas of the body. However, research has found that many women may experience symptoms before the spread begins. Recognizing these symptoms could lead to life-saving detection.

This is the mission of the Ovarian Cancer Walk and 5k. According to its founder, Melanie Parkins Bachelor, "The Gail Parkins Memorial Ovarian Awareness Walk is intended to raise the level of awareness for this disease, provide financial support to research efforts, and pay tribute to those touched by it."

The Walk was created to honor Bachelor's mother, who lost her courageous battle with ovarian cancer at the age of 56.

To learn more about the event, visit: ovariancancerwalk.org

ABC11 is a proud sponsor of the Gail Parkins Memorial Ovarian Cancer Walk and 5k.