ASNMU and Women for Women are teaming up to raise money for cancer research with their first 5k walk and run. Women for Women, a service organization that seeks to promote education and leadership throughout the community and NMU, is a collection of the five all-female residential halls on campus.

Women for Women also strives to promote self-acceptance, while trying to define equality among men and women.

“This organization overall wishes to make a difference in the Marquette community in any way possible,” Jenelle Pelletier, president of Women for Women said.

October being Breast Cancer Awareness month, Women for Women will continue to take part in raising money for finding a cure as they have done for five years.

We will be out there side by side with Women for Women to support them and to promote this amazing and worthy cause,” ASNMU President Amber Lopota said.

This year the members have chosen to donate the funds raised to the Cancer Care Center in Marquette General Hospital to offer help on a local scale and make a difference in the community.

“Women for Women and ASNMU encourages everyone to come out and either walk or run the event,” Pelletier said. “The 5k is not about competition, but a way to support the Marquette community in any way possible.”

“Breast cancer can lay dormant in anyone, male or female, young or aged,” Lopota said. “We think of this as a women’s issue, however, it is an issue of the human race. It strikes in our own community every day. Marquette and the U.P. surrounding communities lean heavily on one another in times of trial. This is no different.”

Christine Scotford, a senior elementary education major, will be running in the event to honor her aunt and grandmother who are both cancer survivors.

“It feels good knowing that I am running for a cause,” Scotford said. “I have never ran a 5K, so I am a little nervous, but I know it will be worth it.”

The event will be Saturday, Oct. 19 and will begin at the Peter White Lounge in the University Center. There is the option to register the day of the race at 6 p.m. before it officially starts at 7 p.m.

The run costs $5 and extra shirts will be available for purchase. Any members of Women for Women can accept registration forms and money.

Registration forms can be found at most of the residence hall desks on campus. ASNMU has been helping with promoting the event and has donated pink glow sticks that each registered participant will receive the day of the 5k.

Additionally, Women for Women will be holding a competition to see which residence hall on campus can get the most residents to attend the 5k.

The organization will announce the winners after the race and will present an award to the winning residence hall created by Women for Women.

“I believe in finding the cause as well as finding the cure,” Lopota said. “I would like to see as many students as possible come on out and participate. We want to make sure this is a shining moment where Wildcats unite for really making a difference.”

For more information contact ASNMU by email at [email protected] or call (906)227-2452, or email Pelletier at [email protected].