Shamrock Marathon: Last chance to support Team EVMS
EVMS is partnering with J&A Racing for Shamrock Marathon Weekend, March 15-17. Members of Team EVMS will run or walk the 8K, Half Marathon or Marathon while raising funds for EVMS causes. Among this year’s Team EVMS participants are:
Jason Azar, Department Administrator for EVMS Ear, Nose and Throat Surgeons
EVMS cause: Cancer Research
“EVMS is proud to be here for our community, each and every day. We're here for you with comprehensive care, groundbreaking research, and the next generation of dedicated healthcare providers. The EVMS Leroy T. Canoles Jr. Cancer Research Center focuses on the cancer types that are most prevalent in our area — prostate, breast, pancreatic, lung and head and neck cancers. Our multidisciplinary research team collaborates to find better ways to diagnose, treat and prevent the recurrence of cancer in our families and neighbors.”
Adam Henry, Media Technology Specialist II
EVMS cause: EVMS Fund
“I’m running the Shamrock Marathon as part of my own therapeutic journey in overcoming health challenges associated with ulcerative colitis. I’m hopeful that in my own journey, I can be a part of someone else’s journey in this community that may go on someday to help someone like me. By supporting scholarships, curriculum enhancements, technology upgrades, research equipment, faculty recruitment, the Strelitz Diabetes Center and other vital needs, the EVMS Fund provides vital tools for more health professionals to receive state-of-the-art education and training so they can make an impact on the lives of others.”
Winnie Lo, MD, Assistant Professor of Surgery
EVMS cause: Cancer Research
“EVMS serves a large catchment area of patients between the seven cities of the Hampton Roads. We treat patients with colorectal, liver, pancreas, breast cancers as well as melanoma and sarcoma. Our team strives to better care for the community by delivering excellent care, training future surgeons, and learning how we can improve current cancer care. With your help, we'll raise funds to support research evaluating outcomes and disparity in care for our patients.”
Nicole Pellegrino, Director of Alumni Relations
EVMS cause: Melanoma Awareness
“The American Academy of Dermatology Association reports that skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States. And, the vast majority of skin cancer deaths are from melanoma. [Nicole] and her family have made early detection a priority after experiencing the loss of a family member to melanoma. Please support Nicole and her efforts to promote melanoma awareness and education.”
Anika Shah, MD Class of 2025
EVMS cause: Choosing Healthy Options for Wellness (CHOW)
“CHOW focuses on combating chronic illnesses, such as hypertension and diabetes, with nutrition and exercise. They seek to educate patients, students and healthcare professionals to pursue healthy eating and exercise. Your support will help with diabetes screenings, cooking classes, activities with working with Monroe Mentors, etc.”
Katelyn Swiader, MSEd, Speech-Language Pathologist at EVMS Ear, Nose and Throat Surgeons
EVMS cause: Minus 9 to 5
“As a young mother, Katelyn has learned first hand that it truly does take a village to raise your children, and that it is very easy for parents to avoid carving out time to take care of their own health. She is proud of her EVMS community for offering the Minus 9 to 5 program for families, so that they may find their village and receive the support they need along the journey of raising children. Minus 9 to 5's mission is to identify and bridge the gaps in our current system, to fill holes where necessary and to expand services to all families in need of reliable prenatal and postpartum health care.”
Other members of the EVMS community can get involved by volunteering at the Shamrock Marathon Finish Line on Sunday, March 17. Register here for the first shift (6:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.) or second shift (11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.).
For more information, email Laurie Harrison.
Pictured above: Members of Team EVMS (from left) Katelyn Swiader, Jason Azar, Anika Shah, Adam Henry and Nicole Pellegrino. (Not pictured: Dr. Winnie Lo)