MILFORD, Conn., March 16, 2007 (PRIME NEWSWIRE) -- The Bob Cooke Skin Cancer Foundation, Inc. today announced the 1st annual Bob Cooke Memorial Run/Walk Against Skin Cancer to take place Saturday, March 31, 2007 at 7:30am at The Sea Turtle Inn in Atlantic Beach, Florida. This will kick off a National Campaign for the foundation. Founded 3 years ago in Milford, Connecticut the CT. Skin Cancer Trek has raised thousands of dollars for skin cancer research and has educated students throughout CT and Florida. The Jacksonville, Florida run/walk, supported by numerous volunteers and sponsors including The New Eagle 96-9 The Eagle, Procter & Gamble, Neutrogena, Sally Industries Corporation, Starbucks, Epic, Schering-Plough, IMPACTjax, Panera Bread and Jetblue 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 goal has been to raise awareness on a national level and it will be realized on March 31, 2007 in Jacksonville, Florida. Skin Cancer rates in Florida are among the highest in the nation and we will continue with our message throughout the state of Florida. This foundation was founded in memory of my Dad who fought a courageous 20 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.
Atty. Mike Freed, Florida Managing Partner of the Brenna, Manna & Diamond Law Firm of Jacksonville, is chairman of the inauguration of the run/walk in Florida. "I am excited and humbled to work with the Foundation to transport to Jacksonville the success that this important event has had in Connecticut," Freed said. "What a tremendous opportunity for our community to be educated on this devastating affliction, while raising money to help fight against it."
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 and also a member of the board of directors , "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 Foundation is a testament to what people with commitment can accomplish."
Entertainment will include live music, a raffle, and prize giveaways. Free food and drinks will round out the day.