When Kelly Barton was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2018, life as she knew it changed overnight. To help her stay positive through her treatment and recovery, a friend gave the avid runner a fantastic idea—to organize a 5K fundraiser.

“It started out as a way for me to celebrate the end of chemo, but it became so much more than that,” Kelly says. “It’s a mission for me to support other cancer patients.”

Kelly’s event is called My Breast Friends 5K, and the run/walk has raised $30,000 to support cancer patients emotionally and financially through Oregon Cancer Foundation over the last two years.

“I love that all of the money raised stays in Lane County, and I love the fact that OCF offers so many resources to assist cancer patients, including support groups. Those were really helpful to me while I was going through my treatment.”

Virtual Event Planned for 2020
This year’s event will take place on Saturday, June 20, but due to the current health crisis and social distancing, it will be held virtually. Individuals register, then everyone completes the 5K on their own, at their own pace, on the same day.

“June 20 is the longest day of the year. We set the event up so that you have between 6:30 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. to do the 5K. You can walk, run, stroll, skate, whatever you like.”

Back to the 80s
The theme of My Breast Friends Virtual 5K will once again be the ‘80s, as it has been ever since the event started in 2018. While the structure of the event looks different, due to social distancing protocols, Kelly says this year’s goal to raise $18,000 for Oregon Cancer Foundation is more important than ever.

“There are so many people being diagnosed with cancer every day,” she says. “There’s such a need for support in our community and, more than ever, we need to raise money and support patients in our area.”

Join the fun!
Oregon Cancer Foundation is so appreciative of Kelly, and everyone involved in the My Breast Friends Virtual 5K, for supporting the foundation’s mission to provide financial assistance, support programs and education to local cancer survivors.

Registration is $30 for the My Breast Friends Virtual 5K, and you can sign up here. Follow the event’s Facebook and Instagram pages for more information leading up to June 20. Event T-shirts are also available for $20.

If you want to support OCF, but don’t want to physically participate, please consider making a donation.