The Foundation of FirstHealth and Discovery Place KIDS-Rockingham team up for family-friendly race to raise cancer awareness and promote healthy lifestyle choices

ROCKINGHAM– On Saturday, April 18, join The Foundation of FirstHealth for the Run for the Ribbons 5k at its new location through downtown Rockingham.
Run for the Ribbons is an annual 5k and family fun 1k that raises cancer awareness and promotes healthy lifestyle choices including fitness, healthy eating and education on cancer prevention.

New this year, proceeds will benefit both The Foundation of FirstHealth's Cancer CARE Fund and Discovery Place KIDS-Rockingham.

“For five years, Run for the Ribbons has been a great way for participants to honor and remember those fighting cancer, while supporting the Cancer CARE Fund in an extraordinary way," said Kathy Stockham, President of the Foundation. “Since 2000, the Cancer CARE Fund has provided more than $1 million in direct support to cancer patients. We are thrilled to be welcomed by the Town of Rockingham since 25% of the Cancer patients served are from Richmond County. And to top off the collaboration, partnering with Discovery KIDS-Rockingham made that connection to this community even stronger.”

The Foundation of FirstHealth teamed up with Discovery Place KIDS-Rockingham and their Big Fun Run 5k, which promoted the importance of healthy nutrition and exercise for young children and their families through the I CAN Be Healthy program.

“Last year’s Big Fun Run was a huge success as we brought families together to promote exercise and active living in a fun way. When The Foundation of FirstHealth came to us with this partnership, we were really excited to work together to promote healthy lifestyles and to help raise awareness for cancer that affects so many families,” said Discovery Place KIDS-Rockingham Director, Katie Rohleder.

Thanks to the new partnership, the 2015 Run for the Ribbons has relocated from the Carolina Horse Park in Raeford, NC to Discovery Place KIDS-Rockingham. This rolling course will feature the downtown Rockingham area as well as a short trek along the Riverwalk trail with start and finish line at Discovery Place KIDS.

Participants can walk, run, volunteer or donate to help save lives and educate community members about health. This support helps The Foundation of FirstHealth Cancer CARE Fund and Discovery Place KIDS-Rockingham provide significant funding, programs and awareness to the community.

To register for the Run for the Ribbons 5k or family fun 1k, visit ww.firsthealth.org\ribbons. Race registration includes FREE admission to Discovery Place KIDS-Rockingham on the day of the race for each race participant. Registration for the 5k is $30 through April 14 and $35 after April 14. Registration for the 1k is $15 through race day.

Race packets can be picked up on Friday, April 17 from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. across the street from Discovery Place KIDS-Rockingham on E. Washington Street, and 7:00 a.m. on race day at the Registration tent. For more information, visit ww.firsthealth.org\ribbons.

About The Foundation of FirstHealth

The Foundation of FirstHealth is the catalyst for philanthropy – literally the stepping-stone for our regional medical system that is now among the finest in the region. It is a system paced by innovative thinking and support. For more than eight decades, the Foundation has inspired and mobilized individuals, families, businesses and organizations to provide FirstHealth of the Carolinas with the financial means to fulfill its mission of caring for people.

Working closely with the leadership of FirstHealth of the Carolinas, we focus our resources on building a 21st century model of health care. This effort will serve emerging health needs, accommodate a rapidly changing regulatory environment and allow us to deploy innovative treatments and technologies. All of this, while we weave compassionate hospitality and patient support into the process of care and healing.

The Foundation of FirstHealth has a strong philanthropic heritage, enlisting financial support from the region through our organized networks: Moore Regional Hospital Auxiliary, FirstHealth Hospice Foundation, FirstHealth Montgomery Foundation, FirstHealth Richmond Memorial Foundation and the Clara McLean House Advisory Council.

About Discovery Place KIDS

Discovery Place KIDS is an innovative model in regional children’s museums developed by Discovery Place, Inc., the parent company of Discovery Place and Charlotte Nature Museum. Discovery Place KIDS is built on the theme of “I CAN” and offers unique opportunities for learning through play for children and their parents or caregivers. For more information about Discovery Place KIDS, call 704.372.6261 or visit discoveryplaceKIDS.org. Connect with Discovery Place KIDS–Rockingham on Twitter at @DPKRockingham.

About Discovery Place

One of the top hands-on science museums in the nation, Discovery Place provides ever-changing, entertaining facilities that engage people in the active exploration of science and nature. The Museum brings relevant, contemporary science to life through groundbreaking exhibitions, interactive educational programming and hands-on activities. Nearly a half-million people from all over the United States engage with Discovery Place and its IMAX® Dome Theatre each year. For more information about Discovery Place, call 704.372.6261, visit discoveryplace.org or connect with Discovery Place on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.

Discovery Place Inc. owns and operates Discovery Place, Charlotte Nature Museum and Discovery Place KIDS and is supported, in part, with funding from the Arts & Science Council.

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