Patients, advocates, caregivers, and more turned out for the 5th Annual Stiletto Sprint held September 19 at Southpark Mall. Participants turned out in record numbers to raise funds for ovarian cancer research at Levine Cancer Institute and to create awareness for the disease.
WBTV evening anchor Maureen O’Boyle returned for the fifth straight year as event host, representing her station’s longstanding commitment to the cause. She kicked off the Sprint with a moment of silence and a balloon release to honor cancer survivors and the memory of loved ones. This emotional moment was followed by an inspirational survivors’ walk prior to the competitive 70-yard sprints.
The I Heart CF team was both the largest team and the top fundraising team, raising over $15,000. The team was created in memory of Carolyn Finegan, who, passed away in August after a lengthy battle with ovarian cancer.
Carolyn Finegan helped create the Stiletto Sprint, along with survivor Pamela Boyajian and other members of the Teal Magnolias, a support group for survivors and women who are undergoing treatment for ovarian cancer. Boyajian secured the title of top individual fundraiser at the event.
Hope, strength, and passion prevailed during the Sprint, which raised a record $110,000 for Levine Cancer Institute. Support from the Bissell Companies, Belk, and the Institute’s gynecologic oncology team were crucial to this success.