Support lung cancer prevention, screening, and survivorship in Kentucky by registering for the White Ribbon 5K Race for Research Saturday, Oct. 29 at Coldstream Park.
The race is hosted by the University of Kentucky College of Education Department of Kinesiology and Health Promotion (KHP) and Breath of Hope Kentucky. UK Markey Cancer Center is presenting sponsor and Kentucky Health Collaborative is partnering sponsor. Dr. Melinda Ickes, professor of health promotion in the UK College of Education Department of Kinesiology and Health Promotion, is working with Breath of Hope Kentucky founder, Lindi Campbell, a UK Markey Cancer Center patient, lung cancer survivor, and advocate, to raise awareness and funding to help the fight to lower cases and deaths from lung cancer in Kentucky.
All funds raised will be used in Kentucky to support evidence-based treatment, research, and prevention programs for lung cancer. Those who register can dedicate a sign to a survivor or in memory of a loved one lost to lung cancer.
“I am so grateful I have the opportunity to work alongside Breath of Hope and some of our health promotion students for such a tremendous cause. It also reinforces how many people lung cancer has touched, and why we need to promote healthy lifestyles and provide opportunities to feel supported as we work towards overall health,” Ickes said.
In fact, to support community health and wellbeing and to get race day ready, graduate students from Kinesiology and Health Promotion have been volunteering with Pace in Parks, a run club through Lexington Parks and Recreation.
“We know getting started on your health journey is not always easy. Our collaboration with Pace in Parks aims to create a caring community and a built-in support system,” Ickes said.
The KHP graduate students provide guidance for individuals of all abilities, paces, and ages. Each meetup includes a group stretch and suggested distance, plus ends with a cool-down stretch. The Pace in Parks run club meets 9 a.m. Saturdays at rotating parks across Lexington and will continue beyond the October race day.
Involved students are also enrolled in the graduate course Ickes teaches, Planning Health Promotion Programs. As part of the class, students are working with community organizations to improve community health and wellness programs.
According to Gillian Torr, second year health promotion graduate student, “Being in the planning class has really helped me connect with community members and see how participating in Pace in the Parks kick started their healthy lifestyle and fitness journey.” Torr reinforces how it has motivated her to inspire others and expand the program’s reach and sustainability.
The future health promotion professionals are already making a difference in the Commonwealth, Ickes said.
For more information, contact Dr. Melinda Ickes, at melinda.ickes@nulluky.edu.