9th Annual Maryland Half-Marathon & 5K Raises Money to Fight Cancer

BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- In two weeks, hundreds will lace up their sneakers for the 9th annual Maryland Half-Marathon & 5K, where 100 percent of the proceeds will go toward fighting cancer.

That's something Karyn Staton has been doing for two years.

"I was diagnosed with triple-negative breast cancer - stage two," she says.

In most cases, surgery, chemo and radiation are the only options for patients who have that type and stage of cancer.

Staton had all three, and she is now part of a clinical immunotherapy trial at the University of Maryland.

Funding for this type of cutting-edge cancer research is made possible with the help of money raised by the Maryland Half Marathon and 5K, where all proceeds go to the University of Maryland Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center.

"It's night and day, I feel like I can make plans for the future now," Staton says. "This is potentially the breakthrough cure that every woman with triple-negative breast cancer has been praying for and waiting for."

Cancer survivors, their families, doctors and nurses are among those who take part in the race.

So does WJZ sports director Mark Viviano, who also serves as its emcee as part of WJZ's continuing community commitment.

The Maryland Half-Marathon & 5K will take place Saturday, May 13 in Maple Lawn. For more information or to register, CLICK HERE.

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