MaryLynn Hardesty Teal Hearts 5K/10K

The MaryLynn Hardesty Teal Hearts 5K/10K is an annual race that benefits The MaryLynn Hardesty Foundation, a 501(c)3 nonprofit founded right here in Carolina Beach, NC. This race takes place on certified 5K and 10K courses on Carolina Beach, where MaryLynn and her family spend their most cherished times together.

This event is the main fundraiser for the MLH Foundation, which will hugely impact this foundations ability to financially and emotionally support women diagnosed with ovarian cancer and increase their presence of disease awareness and spreading the knowledge of early detection stretegies in Eastern NC. To find more information on The MaryLynn Hardesty Foundation, find the website here: www.mlhfoundation.org.

We hope to have many women and families affected by ovarian and other gynecological cancers in attendance on race day, joining us in our fight towards spreading awareness of of the signs and symptoms of gynecological cancers, educating local healthcare providers on early detection strategies, and one day ending these diseases. If you're comfortable with being put in contact with Patrick, the race director, and potentially being acknowledged during the awards ceremony, please check the corresponding box during your registration process.

We invite EVERYONE to join us on September 26th 2020, whether you are interested in a fun run/walk or a more serious RFID chip-timed 5K or 10K to prepare for a more serious race. We are well prepared!

You can run solo or as part of a team. Make it a competitive 5K or 10K, relaxed jog, or fun run with your friends rocking as much teal gear as you can; whatever you desire! We appreciate your involvement, no matter how small or large!

“One of MaryLynn’s dedicated purposes towards the end of her life was to share the knowledge of ovarian cancer earlier detection strategies, and to empower them to educate our community, so that women similarly affected by gynecological cancers can have improved outcomes and a better quality of life through the benefit of an earlier diagnosis, better treatment options and overall increased survival. Please help us spread awareness of these signs and symptoms to your friends, family, and healthcare providers: 1) feeling the need to urinate urgently or often, 2) trouble eating or feeling full quickly, 3) pelvic or abdominal pain, 4) bloating, in addition to unexplained indigestion, upset stomach, nausea, exhaustion, constipation, abdominal swelling, painful intercourse, menstrual changes or weight loss.” — Patrick Hardesty, Race Director

“MaryLynn was an intelligent woman. Not just intellectually, but emotionally. She was a spirit on earth and I now hope her spirit is free and limitless. She had such a strong love for her family and desire to fill life with purpose and meaning. She was able to “fight” her disease without being angry or paralyzed by fear because she had such a spiritual understanding of what it means to be “alive”. She was an example and while I very much wish that she had a longer journey on earth am certain that her journey has just begun.” — John Boggess, MD

On behalf of MaryLynn, her family truly appreciates your support in any form and hopes to see so many people in attendance, not only those who are local or personally knew her, but from all over! Please help us spread awareness for this event!

http://www.ovarian.org/i-care/earlier-awareness