The inaugural MAD Dash 5K is set to take place on April 5, 2025, on the beautiful campus of the ULM. This exciting new race, is presented by McDonald’s-Gilley Enterprises and aptly named "MAD" for "Making a Difference," aims to support the Louisiana Cancer Foundation (LCF) by raising funds to assist all cancer patients and survivors in northeast Louisiana.
Race registration opens on September 9, 2024, and we invite everyone in the community to participate in this meaningful event. The event will also honor and celebrate local cancer survivors of all ages, as well as a Memorial Wall to remember those who we have lost. The morning will be filled with fun including our 5k, one-mile fun run, MAD Kids’ Zone, and survivor breakfast. Whether you’re an avid runner, a cancer survivor, or simply someone who wants to make a difference, the MAD Dash 5K is an opportunity to come together and make a difference in countless lives.
100% of Net Proceeds Dedicated to Cancer Support in Northeast Louisiana.
All proceeds from the MAD Dash 5K will directly benefit the Louisiana Cancer Foundation and the Cancer Foundation League. The Louisiana Cancer Foundation (LCF) is a non-profit organization committed to providing free cancer screenings, supporting cancer research, offering educational scholarships, and funding local cancer support groups.
“Our mission is to make a meaningful difference in the lives of cancer patients and survivors in northeast Louisiana. We do not turn anyone away; the more funding we have the more cancer screenings we can do, and the more patients we can assist.” says James Adams, LCF Executive Director.
There are over 26 thousand newly diagnosed invasive cancers in Louisiana per year; The northeast Louisiana cancer incidence is expected to increase approximately 4% by the year 2027. The funds raised will be used to provide vital services to cancer patients across northeast Louisiana, ongoing cancer research at ULM’s College of Pharmacy, and education and scholarship opportunities.
Your Support of the LCF and the MAD Dash 5k Will Make a Difference!
The LCF has provided:
- Over 10,400 FREE cancer screenings, with average 10-15% finding rate at ALL screenings
- Over 6,300 cancer patients have received over $2.4 million in financial support through the Cancer Foundation League’s patient assistance fund.
Key initiatives funded by the MAD Dash 5K include:
- Free Cancer Screenings: Offering comprehensive cancer screenings for breast, cervical, prostate, skin, and colorectal cancers, ensuring participants receive follow-up care and guidance if needed.
- Research: Long time supporter of ULM’s College of Pharmacy’s breast cancer research efforts, through $180,000 in donations and contributing to groundbreaking advancements using tocotrienols in cancer prevention/treatment.
- Education & Scholarships: Providing a ULM endowed scholarship for cancer survivors or those affected by cancer, including the Teresa Marsala Memorial Nursing Fund for ULM’s College of Nursing.
- Local Support & Donations: Assisting local cancer support groups, educational seminars, and various activities that make a positive impact on the lives of cancer patients in the region.
Sponsorship Opportunities Available
The MAD Dash 5K offers numerous sponsorship opportunities for local businesses and organizations to show their support for the Louisiana Cancer Foundation and the fight against cancer. Sponsorship not only provides invaluable support to the foundation’s mission but also offers businesses a chance to gain visibility and demonstrate their commitment to the community. For more information on race registration, sponsorship opportunities, or how you can get involved, please visit MADdash5k.com.
Race registration will open to the public on September 9th, 2024.
