MILFORD, Conn., April 3, 2006 (PRIMEZONE) -- The Bob Cooke Memorial Trek Against Skin Cancer today announced the third annual trek against skin cancer to take place Saturday, May 20, 2006 at 9:00 am at the Lisman Landing in Milford, Connecticut. The trek, supported by numerous volunteers and sponsors including Procter & Gamble, JetBlue Airways, Eucerin, Coppertone, Subway, Sir Speedy, STAR 99.9 and The Milford Kiwanis Club will benefit skin cancer research. WTNH's Kristen Cusato will return for her third year as emcee.
According to event director and trek founder, daughter of Robert N. Cooke, Sherrill Cooke, "One in five Americans will get skin cancer in their lifetime and one person dies every hour from this dreaded disease. This initiative serves to increase both funding and public awareness of a cancer that affects so many. My Dad fought a courageous 11-year battle with skin cancer, yet through it all maintained the incredible sense of humor that he was well known for. The trek is a tribute and honor to him and a way to help others that are faced with this illness."
Robert N. Cooke was a graduate of the Hopkins School and Yale University. Commonly referred to as "Mr. Milford", Mr. Cooke served as vice president of Fleet Bank, now Bank of America. Cooke helped found the Milford Oyster Festival, initiated Milford Pride, served as President of the Milford Chamber of Commerce, President of the Red Cross, Chairman of the United Way, President of Kiwanis, served on the Board of Boys Village and as a member of the Milford Club. He was also a deacon and trustee of the First United Church of Christ Congregational.
Dr. Jenkins, Chiropractor, Nutritionist and Strength and Conditioning Specialist in Milford, is the chairman of the event. He emphasizes the importance of prevention in health care. "It is imperative that we acknowledge and take responsibility for our health. Participation in this Trek is a big step toward empowering ourselves to prevent this unnecessary disease."
According to Dr. David Leffell, Chief, Section of Dermatologic Surgery and Cutaneous Oncology and Professor of Dermatology and Surgery at Yale University School of Medicine, "The superb efforts of Sherrill Cooke and her army of volunteers have already made a difference in raising the visibility of the skin cancer problem and in generating the money to support high quality research. The Bob Cooke Trek is a testament to what people with commitment can accomplish."
Entertainment will include live music, a raffle and prize giveaways. Free food, drinks and games for the kids will round out the day.