Nearly 600 participants supported women of the region at the annual Running of the Pink (RoP) event on June 3. This single day supports women’s health programs all year long.
This year marked the 16th anniversary of the 5K/10K event.
“We do this to eliminate barriers to care,” said Casey Stoudt, owner of R.M. Stoudt. “This cause is close to our hearts.”
Proceeds from RoP support women’s health in Stutsman County, including the income-based Women’s Way program at Central Valley Health District and No Excuses at Jamestown Regional Medical Center (JRMC).
Regardless of income, No Excuses can help cover the costs of mammograms, pap tests and advanced screening technology for uninsured and underinsured women in the region.
“No Excuses eliminates barriers to care. Some women need help affording their women’s health screenings and the care after,” said JRMC Foundation Director Lisa Jackson. “Because of RoP, No Excuses supports more than 10 SHEROES each month.”
No Excuses and Women’s Way resources are available year-round at JRMC.
In addition to the 500 in-person participants, 40 individuals joined virtually. Team JRMC received the award for the largest team, with 40 employees, family and friends showing up to walk and run.
“This cause means so much to our employees and their families,” Jackson said. “They support it because they see and touch the individuals impacted by cancer. In addition to caring for these individuals in a patient’s room or at the bedside, our employees care for them with their own time and financial resources. This is heartwarming and what the community can expect from their caregivers at JRMC.”
Along with the on-site participants, some individuals supported the cause from home. Ave Maria Village residents folded towels for Running of the Pink, folding 1,800 during the walk/run, said Annie Hancock, development director.
Registrations and dollars raised this year set records. Jamie Walton, BDC Representative Coordinator for R.M. Stoudt said RoP raised more than $50,000 this year – its biggest gift yet.
“It is a humbling feeling to see everyone come out and participate. We are grateful for the community’s support,” Walton said.
‘WOMEN DESERVE THE BEST’
In addition to increasing access, RoP helps start conversations about women’s health, said OB/GYN Dr. Gregg McAdoo. Dr. McAdoo walked in the 5K. He is a member of the comprehensive OB/GYN team at JRMC, which includes OB/GYN Dr. Emily Stromquist and Nurse Practitioner Makenzie Breitbach.
OB/GYNs offer care for every age and phase of life – from menstrual cycles to menopause as well as fertility, birth control and reproductive health. At any given time, more than 1,300 Stutsman County women are not current on their regular women’s health screenings.
“Preventative medicine is the first step in excellent care,” Dr. McAdoo said. “In my practice, I see how important these screenings are to the women of this community. Women deserve the best. Thank you to Running of the Pink for eliminating excuses.”
In 15 years, R.M. Stoudt and Running of the Pink have raised $163,784 in support of JRMC’s No Excuses program. RoP has raised more than $240,000 for care throughout the region.