DENVER, Colo. (May 14, 2020) –For the past 10 years, thousands of ovarian cancer survivors and family members and friends whose lives have been impacted by the disease, have gathered in Denver’s City Park on the second Saturday in June for the annual Jodi’s Race for Awareness (JRA). This year, in order to protect the health and safety of the vulnerable community members, the crowd will be running and walking in their own neighborhoods and homes – but still coming together to support the Colorado Ovarian Cancer Alliance (COCA) and celebrate their community. Jodi’s Race Virtual Dash features custom packages for survivors, participants and those memorializing a loved one they’ve lost to the disease.  Registration for the 2020 Jodi’s Race for Awareness, presented by the Colorado Center for Gynecologic Oncology, is underway online at www.jodisrace.org.

The Race is a true celebration of life for those attending the event, as ovarian cancer is the deadliest gynecologic cancer and remains mysterious to many. Long-time participant Johnna Flood shares her reasons for participating stating, “Jodi’s Race is my race because I lost my mom to ovarian cancer. I want to support the women living with and fighting the disease, and I want to celebrate every survivor.” Because there is no screening test for ovarian cancer, more than 75 percent of women are diagnosed in the late stages of the disease, which dramatically reduces the survival rate. Being aware of the most common symptoms of ovarian cancer – bloating, pelvic or abdominal pain, difficulty eating or feeling full quickly, and urinary urgency or frequency – can lead to early detection, which is critical to saving lives.  

Funds raised during Jodi’s Race are used directly by COCA to increase awareness of the symptoms of the disease and to assist Colorado women living with ovarian cancer through programs that include support groups, individual counseling, financial assistance and much more. Due to the impacts that COVID-19 is placing on this vulnerable population battling cancer, the need for assistance and programs is greater than ever.

Jodi’s Race Virtual Dash builds on the community celebration created during the past 10 years with three different Race packages:

• Survivors: Includes a special teal survivor Race shirt, insulated lunch pack, beads for each year since diagnosis, bubbles, a survivor crown craft, temporary tattoos and more.
• Participants: Includes a Race shirt, bubbles, temporary tattoos and kids get a “color your own” t-shirt.
• Remembrance: Includes a Race shirt and items to honor and memorialize their loved one including flower seeds, a candle and a bell with instructions on how to host a Teal Bell commemoration ceremony.

All packages offer a furry friend option with a teal bandana for a beloved pet.

All money raised from Jodi’s Race remains in Colorado and funds initiatives that support women with ovarian cancer, including COCACares Financial Assistance, Nicki’s Circle Support Groups, the Ovarian Cancer Resource Guide, Comfort Kits for the newly diagnosed, Carol’s Wish Financial Assistance Program, an annual Raise Awareness campaign, and Survivors Teaching Students: Saving Women’s Lives®, a national program of the Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance (OCRA). Virtual Dash participants can register any time until June 30^th at www.jodisrace.org. The race organizers will also be hosting a virtual Facebook Live Watch Party (@JodisRaceforAwareness) on June 13^th to celebrate survivors, honor those lost and share videos and stories from participants. More information about COCA and its programs is available at www.colo-ovariancancer.org.