ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. July 6, 2023 – The Celma Mastry Ovarian Cancer Foundation, (CMOCF) commemorates 20 years and announces its annual One Step Closer to the Cure 5K or 1K race. On September 9, 2023, starting and ending at Albert Whitted Park, 480 Bayshore Drive SE, individuals and teams may walk, run, or jog with fellow supporters along downtown St. Pete’s spectacular waterfront and help provide hope to local women suffering from ovarian cancer. Money raised, $968,888.00 to date, has gone to women who need childcare, lost wages, housekeeping, transportation to doctor visits, groceries, rent or funds to keep the electricity and water running while they undergo treatment, as well as support for research, prevention, and education in this community.
“One Step assures survivors a community cares for them,” said Claudette Carlan, Chairman of the Celma Mastry Ovarian Cancer Foundation, created in her mother’s name to help other women who were also suffering with this silent killer.
“We get so many thank you notes from families we’ve been fortunate to help. Our greatest accomplishment has been to remain an all-volunteer foundation for 20 years and to give hope to the survivor who needs us.”
Andrena Palmieri recently wrote, “The Celma Mastry Ovarian Cancer Foundation lives by their mission statement–The CMOCF unites community and friends to fight ovarian cancer. With the help of all those that donate to the foundation, people like me are able to get assistance. They offer events, support groups, woman-to-woman peer programs, and financial aid. They are really there for you every step of the way.” Yolanda Floyd wrote, “I wanted to inform you that I received your financial blessing. I am so grateful to all the donors and to your organization. You all helped to shine a light where I was starting to see nothing but darkness. My whole heart thanks you.”
Race results will be posted to the website and medals awarded immediately following the event on September 9, 2023. Register for the One Step Closer to the Cure 5K run, the 1-mile run or the sleep-in option at cmocf.org/onestep and receive a unique referral code to pass along to friends and family. The 5K starts at 7:30 a.m. and will end at 10:00 a.m. There is a $40.00 race fee plus a $3.40 sign-up fee. Note that the race fee increases to $45.00 after July 31, 2023.
Please follow and share the Celma Mastry Ovarian Cancer Foundation One Step Closer campaign on Facebook and Instagram for race updates and news about pre-race activities, extraordinary teams and new sponsors. Additional information can be found at Ovariancancerfoundation.org or call (863) 381-2034.
ABOUT CELMA MASTRY OVARIAN CANCER FOUNDATION
The Celma Mastry Ovarian Cancer Foundation was started in 2003 by family and friends of St. Petersburg community leader and philanthropist Celma Mastry to help other women who also suffer with this silent killer. Commemorating 20 years since inception, the foundation has expanded sponsorship opportunities and fundraising events that enable them to continue providing financial assistance to patients and to support research, prevention and education in the community. The Celma Mastry Ovarian Cancer Foundation has given nearly a million dollars to numerous individuals to assist them financially as they struggle to overcome cancer and still pay their bills. The Foundation created a support group led by survivors called “You Matter,” giving newly diagnosed patients a comfort bag containing information about ovarian cancer, resources, and items to help during treatment.