MILFORD, Conn., May 2, 2008 (PRIME NEWSWIRE) -- The Bob Cooke Skin Cancer Foundation, Inc. today announced the fifth annual trek against skin cancer to take place Sunday, May 18, 2008 at 2:00 pm at the Lisman Landing in Milford, Connecticut. The trek, supported by numerous volunteers and sponsors including Maui Jim, Ct. Dermatology & Dermatologic Society, Subway, The New Haven County Medical Association, STAR 99.9 and The Milford Kiwanis Club, will benefit skin cancer research.
According to event director and trek founder, daughter of Bob Cooke, Sherrill Cooke, "One in five Americans will get skin cancer in their lifetime and one person dies every 33 minutes 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."
Bob 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.
Diane Hayden, Co-Chair of the event emphasizes the importance of education and early detection. "The most important thing that we can do for the community is to educate them on the dangers of tanning beds, especially our youth. The Foundation and the awareness that it provides can make a difference in the lives of everyone in the community and perhaps even save some lives."
According Board of Directors member, 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, a silent auction, wine, beer and cheese tasting, and prize giveaways. Free dinner, drinks, t-shirts, gift bags and games for the kids will round out the day.