It was a sea of purple in the early morning hours of June 25 at the Edinburg Municipal Park, as hundreds of runners gathered for DHR Health’s 3rd Annual Purple Project 5K: A Uniting Run for All Cancers. DHR Health held the 5K in the month of June to coincide with “National Cancer Survivors Month.” The 5K was aimed at supporting cancer survivors by networking them with one another, as well and their respective caretakers, family, and friends. DHR Health also took the opportunity to promote the importance of cancer awareness and prevention by reminding attendees to get their regular health screenings.
“It definitely was an empowering event. We honored our survivors, celebrated those who have battled cancer, and showed support for those currently fighting the disease,” said Anabel Arellano, DHR Health Development Director for the Advanced Care Center. “They have to know that they are not alone. We can serve as pillars of strength for each other.”
Before the runners took off from the finish line, Dr. Cynthia A. Garcia, DHR Health Chief Medical Officer of Outpatient and Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation from Harlingen, led the participants in a gentle warm-up. Also speaking at the event were DHR Health Oncologists/Hematologists Dr. Jose Cruz and Dr. Shravan Narmala, who emphasized the importance of regular doctor visits for general wellness check-ups, blood pressure checks, cholesterol screenings, diabetes screenings, mammograms, colonoscopies, and more.
“The key is to be proactive with our health by getting regular check-ups and health screenings. When we do this, we can detect potential issues early on, allowing for timely intervention and improved outcomes,” said Dr. Cruz. “These routine check-ups and screenings enable us to stay ahead of preventable diseases, manage chronic conditions effectively, and make informed decisions about our lifestyle choices.”
The crowd then heard from a current DHR Health cancer patient, Lydia Molina. “I stand before you as a survivor and a friend who understands and knows your journey,” said Molina. “I encourage you to embrace the small joys like today’s event and celebrate each milestone.”
DHR Health would like to thank the many generous sponsors who helped make the 5K a success: the City of Edinburg, Lone Star National Bank, H-E-B, Mr. Mortgage, Bug Works, Texas Scripts Pharmacy, Judge Hector Bustos, Amistad Floral and Crafts, Renaissance Center Foundation, Bert Ogden Subaru, the City of Pharr EMS, the City of Edinburg Fire Department and Police Department, Match Made Coffee Bar, Latina Empire and Luna Dental.
Event medals were given to those who crossed the finish line. The top three females were: Lucero Rodriguez, Belen Kellman and Dana Zapara. The top three males were: Nick Lopez, Marco Salazar, and Matthew Talbert.
Proceeds from the 5K will benefit the Renaissance Cancer Foundation, a non-profit organization of DHR Health, which helps underserved cancer patients from throughout the Rio Grande Valley with various forms of financial assistance. For more information on the Renaissance Cancer Foundation, please contact Evelyn Saenz, Executive Director, at (956) 362-2191.
