09 Jul Redmond Derby Days Run Benefits Pancreatic Cancer Research
Redmond’s popular summer festival, Derby Days, July 10 and 11, features parades, a carnival, music and an exciting 5K run supporting Pancreatic Cancer Research. Have fun and make a difference this weekend!
Derby Days expanded over its 75 year history to include the 5K Derby Dash. This USATF certified course attracts so many participants that organizers are capping the entries at 1,000. Sponsored by the City of Redmond and the Dr. John K. McCormick Foundation, the dash donates all proceeds to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PCAN). In turn, PCAN donates 85% of funds to programs that provide patient support, promote research, increase public awareness, and advocate for finding cures.
Dr John K McCormick’s son, Johnny, organizes the run in memory of his father, a long time Redmond resident, who died of Pancreatic Cancer at the age of 56. Pancreatic Cancer diagnoses are often shocking because patients get few signals that something is seriously wrong until the cancer is advanced. Only 7% survive past 5 years. Dr. McCormick died almost one year after discovering his illness in a routine medical appointment.
Johnny and friends at the Derby Dash
Dr. McCormick practiced sports medicine in Redmond. He and wife, Ann, raised four children. He was a golfer, runner, and student of everything according to the Foundation. “I like running, so did Dad,” Johnny told me. “Neither of us were competitive runners. We’re just competitive guys who like to run.” Do you like to run? Consider the Derby Dash this weekend or take a minute to donate to PCAN! Your time and generosity touches the lives of survivors and offers hope to cancer patients still waiting for useful diagnostics and breakthrough treatments.
